After Singapore, Thailand has the lowest fertility rate in Southeast Asia, making it one of the fastest aging countries in the world. The problem is, Thailand will grow old before it grows rich.

An aging society is typically a predicament affecting developed nations. But Thailand is still developing. So, why is it facing a population crisis ahead of time? How did culture, religion, the economy, policies, and politics drive down the birthrate in the Land of Smiles? The Thai government is changing the laws to encourage more births. Can they reverse the slide? And, faced with a stagnating economy and competition from its younger neighbours, what does it mean for Thailand if it cannot rejuvenate its fertility rate?

00:00 Introduction
02:25 What's different about Thailand's falling birthrate
05:59 Why aren't young Thais having children?
08:29 Rising cost of living a big concern
12:08 Having children = loss of opportunity for women?
16:20 Urbanisation contributing to lower birth rate?
21:14 Impact of family planning policies on economic growth
23:49 Elderly Thais working past retirement age
28:53 High social welfare costs stretching government's budget
31:32 Housing an elderly population that is living for longer
37:09 Government push to increase access to reproductive tech

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ABOUT THE SHOW: Insight investigates and analyses topical issues that impact Asia and the rest of the world.
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