Thais spend 6.9 years living with illness or disability

PUBLISHED : 17 Jun 2026 at 05:01

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, 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.

Researchers found that Thais spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability at the end of their lives, placing increasing demands on healthcare providers, families and social welfare systems.

He said the trend underscores the need to reform health services to better align with changing population structures, particularly by expanding community care programmes that support older people outside hospitals.

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.

Researchers warned that Thailand must increase investment in long-term care to meet future demand. One major concern is the shortage of trained personnel. 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.

The findings form part of a broader assessment of health and demographic trends under the theme "Population Change and the Health of Thai People".

The report highlights declining birth rates, an ageing population, changing family structures and economic pressures as key factors shaping future health outcomes.