Thai Parliament to Host National Forum on Low Birth Rate
House Speaker Sophon Sarum leads preparation for a 500-person national forum on Sept 15, 2026, at Sappaya-Sapasathan to tackle the dropping TFR of 1.0.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- House Speaker Sophon Sarum to host national seminar on Sept 15, 2026
- Addressing Thailand's demographic crisis with TFR dropping to 1.0 per woman
- Over 500 participants to brainstorm on child quality and social inequality
- Key cabinet ministers and corporate executives joining legislative reform efforts
On Sept 2, 2026, House Speaker Sophon Sarum chaired a preparatory meeting with Ministry of Public Health executives and relevant agencies to organize the House of Representatives' public outreach project, featuring a national seminar under the topic "Low Birth Rate and Poor Quality Crisis," scheduled for Sept 15, 2026, at the Sappaya-Sapasathan Thai Parliament Bangkok.
This national seminar was initiated as Thailand faces a rapidly intensifying population structure crisis. Data shows the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has plummeted to just 1.0 per woman, which is significantly below the population replacement level.
This critical issue encompasses not only a decline in newborn numbers but also deep inequalities in accessing healthcare services, welfare, education, and opportunities for children to develop their full potential, ultimately threatening the nation's future workforce structure and long-term development capabilities.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The upcoming national forum will gather over 500 participants for academic discussions led by distinguished experts and ministers from various ministries, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yossanan Wongsuwan, Minister of Public Health Patana Promphat, Minister of Social Development and Human Security Nikorn Somklang, Minister of Industry Varawut Silpa-archa, and Senior Vice Chairman and Executive Chairman of CP Group Suphachai Chearavanont.
A fertility rate falling far below the replacement level of 2.1 represents a structural challenge for aging economies. For Thailand, transitioning into a super-aged society at an unprecedented pace means that policy interventions must go beyond boosting birth rates, requiring heavy investment in human capital and equitable child development to sustain future economic productivity.
Source: Khaosod Politics
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment