Births plummet, Thailand encourages fertility

　　The Thai-born population began to decline in 2013, and last year was only two-thirds of what it was in 2013.

In order to avoid a population crisis, the Thai government is trying to encourage people to have more children.

　　According to a Reuters report on the 7th, Thailand had 544,000 births last year, the lowest level in 60 years and lower than the 563,000 deaths that year.

　　"The data reflects the demographic crisis ... (population's) mentality about fertility has changed," said Thammasat University demographer Dila Sindhcharak.

　　Suwannachai Vardanayingchalongchai, a senior official at Thailand's health ministry, said the government was aware of the need to intervene.

"We are trying to slow down the decline in births and get families ready to have children to reverse the decline."

　　Suvarnabhumi said the government intends to implement a number of policies to ensure that newborn babies receive the full support of the state.

At present, only major cities such as Bangkok have reproductive medicine centers in Thailand. The government plans to spread reproductive medicine centers in 76 provinces, and at the same time use “Internet celebrities” to promote the joy of family life.

　　Experts pointed out that factors such as political polarization, rising debt and education funding affect people's willingness to have children, and short-term government measures to encourage fertility may not be enough.

　　Total household debt in Thailand accounts for nearly 90% of GDP, compared with 59% in 2010, Bank of Thailand data show.

　　Dilla believes that Thailand's economy has been weak in the past 10 years, people's living costs have risen, and income growth has been slow, "deciding to have children has become more difficult."

　　Chinthate Nantavan, 44, has been with her partner of 14 years and doesn't want children.

"It's too expensive to raise kids," she said. "Middle class, office workers, and people who are trying to make ends meet all think the same thing."

　　Tilla said that Thailand currently accounts for about 18% of the population over the age of 60, and is entering a "super-aging society" in which this age group accounts for more than 20% of the population.

　　Currently, the ratio of the working-age population to the elderly population in Thailand is 3.4:1.

Government officials expect the ratio could fall to 1.7:1 by 2040.

(Chen Dan) (Xinhua News Agency special feature)