Shifts in household demographics herald economic changes for Thailand


 

Publication Date: January 1993

Publisher: East-West Center

Author(s): Allison Greenspan

Research Area: Economics; Population and demographics; Social conditions

Type: Brief

Coverage: Thailand

Abstract:

Thailand's demographic transition is noteworthy for its rapid pace and its impact on families and households. Steep declines in fertility and steady decreases in mortality over the past two decades have affected the size and character of Thailand's population and households, and trends point to continuing changes for the future. Life expectancy has increased, while population growth rates continue to slow. Total fertility has reached, and is expected to drop below, replacement level. Households are becoming smaller--and older. Changes in household size and characteristics have important social and economic consequences.