Ministry holds fair for elderly

BANGKOK, April 5 (TNA) -- The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security organizes a fair on the occasion of the National Day of Older Persons and urges people to prepare for the ageing society. The fair was opened at the IMPACT exhibition and convention complex in Nonthaburi province on April 5. It was organised with the concept of preparation for secure life in the ageing society. Opening the fair, Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya said Thailand started to become an ageing society in 2004 as the birth rate dropped and medical development extended people’s life. As of Dec 31, 2017, the Thai population stood at 65.9 million and 10.8 million of them (16.5%) were old people. Gen Chatchai said Thailand would completely become an ageing society in 2021 when the elderly would form 20% of the total population. According to him, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security joined forces with the private sector and the civil sector to prepare the country for the ageing society. The activities include the employment of old people, tax privileges for such employers, housing projects and loans for the elderly, pension initiatives and vocational training. The National Day of Older Persons falls on April 13. The annual fair to mark the national day is aimed at raising public awareness on the importance of preparing for secure old age. On the same occasion, Gen Chatchai presented awards for senior citizens including Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chaipattana Foundation. (TNA)