A shocking truth reveals that nearly 70% of Thai elderly “cannot stop working when old” and must still keep working or rely on their children. Only 8% can live off savings and pensions.
Thairath Online's special news team explores figures that highlight Thailand's population structure crisis and economic challenges, showing that entering a full-fledged aging society doesn't always mean "happy retirement."
Recent data from the 2025 Thai elderly population survey by the National Statistical Office, analyzed by KKP Research, reveals worrying truths about the main income sources of Thai seniors, showing many face financial vulnerability in later life.
A deeper look at Thai seniors' main income sources reveals a startling 69.6%, nearly 70%, still rely on others or must force themselves to keep working, divided as follows:
Dependent on income from children: 35.7% (the top source).
Still need to work for their own income: 33.9%.
These figures clearly show that "children" remain the primary economic pillar and safety net for their parents (the Sandwich Generation), while over one-third of elderly have no choice but to keep working even past retirement age.
Conversely, the financially secure elderly who can live on returns from their savings or pension benefits represent only 8.4%, consisting of:
Pensions or retirement benefits: 6.8%.
Interest from savings: 1.6%.
Besides the two main groups, some elderly rely mainly on government welfare and support from those around them, including:
Government allowances: 13.3%.
Spouses: 5.6%.
Relatives: 1.7%.
Other income sources: 1.4%.
Urgent action needed: These figures signal a national warning that Thailand's retirement savings system has significant gaps. If today's working-age population cannot financially protect themselves or the government lacks adequate welfare structures, the key question arises: "Who will care for the elderly in the future?" as declining birth rates mean children may no longer shoulder this burden.