Experts predict that if the government doesn’t implement the required safeguards to ensure the happiness of its senior citizens, the country may face an inevitable socioeconomic crisis because one in five Thais are now over 60.
In the next ten years, senior members will make up 27 % of the total people, according to Nonarit Bisonyabut, senior research fellow at the Thailand Development and Research Institute. Despite the alarming figure, he claimed that the government isn’t doing much to help the country’s growing older people.
The majority of Thai seniors are usually dependent on their households for help after retirement. However, a child does end up caring for both their families and their parents because of the world’s declining birth rates and a longer life expectancy. The problem is getting worse as the number of elderly citizens without children or close friends who can care for them grows.
Express happiness methods are unlikely to be able to maintain and provide an adequate security net for the elderly in light of current trends. For example, the annuity plan offered by the social security system is currently sluggish, and old-age allowances require a sizable resources that the condition might not be able to afford.
” We’re getting older before we’re getting rich,” said Mr. Nonarit.
Better care makes it possible for people to function until they reach the age of 65 or older before retiring in several developed nations. Work generally ends at 60 in developing nations, though.
However, many people in Thailand retire at age 55 or as early as 50 as a result of laws that allow people to obtain their income and benefits at age 55. Despite having the ability to work, many people are encouraged to leave early to receive lump sums of money and do other interests.
Return to work
There are currently 13 million older people in the nation, with only 5 million of those still employed. However, the majority of them work in the agricultural industry, which offers lower pay and an unsteady income stream.
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has launched a campaign to promote the private business to employ senior members in order to address this issue. Just about 6, 000 opportunities are now open despite the 200, 000 older people’s desire to work again.
” We don’t need to care about employees in the open sector, which have an improvement plan for retirement, or those who have enough money to pass through retiremenet. We need to be concerned about colloquial or private sector employees who are subject to a number of circumstances before starting to work, according to Mr. Nonarit.
He claimed that the private business has yet to fully help older people who want to stay employed, with some companies labeling their workers as expendable.
Mr. Nonarit praised Singapore’s “re-employment” plan, which encourages businesses to hire old employees until at least 60 or 65 years old or to offer them choice positions with lower pay, as a possible solution.
According to him, a discussion is also taking place about whether the older should be paid by the hour to suit their talents. Critics claim that this might deter companies from offering full-time positions and benefits, including severance pay.
None of this is likely to occur without the aid of constitutional needs. Instead of treating people as disposable machines, it’s time for businesses to take long-term responsibility for them. Companies in Thailand have benefited from this technique for too long, he claimed.
Legitimate obstacles
Employers ‘ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry’s vice president, Tanit Sorat, calls for flexible work conditions as well as tax incentives to encourage hiring seniors.
He claimed a plan was presented to the Prayut Chan-o-cha state, but it has since been shelved.
According to the proposed plan, the private market retirement years is set at 65 with a clause that makes part-time function up to the age of 70 in response to concerns about avoiding compensation payments.
According to Mr. Tanit, retired workers in the state business have little interest in working again, but a study found that those who collect pile sums frequently run out of money in just three years.
In this day and age, people between the ages of 60 and 65 are not regarded as top members. They are still in excellent health. However, he said,” This problem is complex and calls for sweeping legal alterations.”
Mr. Tanit claimed that Thailand relies on 3.3 million foreigners, the majority of whom fill low-skilled positions, for a major labor shortage. Nevertheless, he claimed there is a pressing need for semi-skilled Thai employees.
He suggested that companies be required to employ a certain number of senior workers in accordance with current getting laws for people with disabilities.
” We’re quick of accountants, clerks, salespeople, coaches, legal assistants, and even tour guides,” he said. He claimed that they only require practice and brainpower, not natural strength.
Mr. Tanit argued that many businesses that do hire older employees by the hour are actually breaking the law, claiming that many do not give two months ‘ see before terminating job or even offer a minimum of eight hours of pay as required by the law.
” There must be a certain law to control the selecting of the old. Tax subsidies for businesses should also be taken into account,” he said.
Change indicators
In spite of the doubt, more and more companies are hiring retirees to fill the void, particularly in those that call for certain skills or decades of experience.
According to a report released on Monday by international recruitment firm Robert Walters, there is a rise in demand for retirees to operate in Thailand for a number of reasons.
Their years of experience demonstrate that they have the knowledge and abilities to resolve issues and offer advice. Additionally, many people favor adaptable or part-time jobs that are in line with the needs of businesses looking to lower costs.
Some companies are considering extending the pension age to 65 in order to keep qualified workers, the report said.
The statement was brought up in a new article by @ktnewsonline on X, which noted that the trend is expanding in the nation’s work business.
Since 2022, the Ministry of Labour has promoted top job. According to the Department of Employment, in-demand occupations include housework and guarding personal property.
In addition, according to a survey conducted in 2022, only 15 % of the 9,408 seniors interviewed were interested in full-time employment, while 76 % preferred flexible work arrangements.
Age is certainly a constraint
Many elderly people, according to the ruling Pheu Thai Party, can also contribute to the economy and the workforce, according to the ruling party.
The important question is to identify suitable roles for these retirees, according to Krissada Tantherdthit, a minister to the minister of tourism and a member of Pheu Thai’s monetary team.
He emphasized the importance of gathering data to identify withdrew people’s areas of expertise and employment prospects and develop those positions correctly.
According to Mr. Krissada, expanding post-retirement career is now a component of the Pheu Thai platform to integrate care, social services, and career development for the elderly.
He said,” We must begin preparing, otherwise this asset will continue to be underused.”
The Khao San Road Business Association’s president, Sanga Ruangwattanakul, echoed the organization’s assistance for the policy, claiming that some seniors also have strong abilities.
However, he said,” the government needs to provide companies with more incentives to use seniors… tax breaks, subsidies, or something substantial.”
Sanga: Companies require opportunities.
Krissada: Discover suitable tasks
Tanit: A earlier strategy was abandoned.
Nonarit: Singapore serves as an illustration