Bangkok Post
Thais spend nearly 7 years living with illness, disability
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Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.
Key facts
- Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.
- The report also found that only 43.3% of patients requiring palliative care currently have access to appropriate services, leaving many without adequate support during the final stages of their life.
- The report, released by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and the Institute for Population and Social Research at Mahidol University, identifies demographic change as one of the most significant challenges facing the
- The report estimates that the number of workers specialising in long-term and palliative care will need to increase 13-fold by 2037 to keep pace with the growing elderly population.
Summary
The report, released by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and the Institute for Population and Social Research at Mahidol University, identifies demographic change as one of the most significant challenges facing the country's health sector.
According to Assoc Prof Chalermpol Chamchan of Mahidol University's Institute for Population and Social Research, who led the study, the findings reflect the realities of a rapidly ageing society, where longer life expectancy does not necessarily translate into better health.