TH /EN
All stories→Health & wellbeing

Health & wellbeing

Problems of violation of physical and mental rights in an aging society

Updated 25 Sep 2026265 views
Article cover: Problems of violation of physical and mental rights in an aging society

Update before reading (25 September 2026)

This article cites 2017 data showing 17% of Thailand's population was elderly. That figure has since grown: in 2026, Thailand officially became a "super-aged society," with elderly people now making up over 20% of the population, roughly 1 in 5 people. This makes preventing elderly rights violations even more important. Those most at risk are elderly people living alone, with chronic illness, and lacking social networks.

In 2017, Thailand had an elderly population of 60 years and over, 11 million people, accounting for 17 percent of the total population. It is expected that within 4 years, Thailand will become a fully aging society. That caused a clear change. And the problem that follows is the violation of rights among the elderly by their own family members.

The number of elderly people and the severity of rights violations are increasing every year. Society should therefore be aware of rights violations among the elderly, which is not a personal problem, but a problem that society and people around you should understand and provide help.

Dr. Ladda Damrikanlert Secretary-General of the Foundation of the Thai Gerontology Research and Development Institute (STDSPLIT0002]]] mentions The increasing number of elderly people is causing rights violations. Including changes in society that change the relationship between the elderly and family members, causing them to be unable to adapt, resulting in relationship problems.

Moreover, what needs to be taken care of when the elderly live alone is to restore good culture and interaction in the family. Working with the elderly must be driven by the family. Communities must participate in surveillance and have a legitimate right to go in and monitor to prevent being sued.

“The natural fragility that the elderly cannot avoid is congenital disease, which makes them more dependent on others. In addition, the natural fragility within makes one vulnerable to rights violations in every aspect.”

Dr. Phattharaphon Kongboon from the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation Mentioning 6 research studies that found that most elderly people have their rights violated within their families, with the group at risk being People who live alone, are single, have no children or grandchildren, but have an illness. When life reaches a turning point, it makes you feel weak and need a refuge. Some may find a way out by remarrying or adopting a child. The large gap found is Lack of surveillance mechanism Because the reasons why elderly people's rights are violated are property, mental and physical harm, as well as abandonment, neglect, and not being able to live with dignity.

Prevention should be promoted. By organizing training to have watchers to help. Data is stored systematically so that in the future it can be used. and must be done simultaneously with legal measures social measures and existing educational measures Meanwhile, the reactive measure has been to propose a One Stop Service for the elderly to come and seek advice on all matters. And there are officers waiting to coordinate with relevant agencies. The important thing is to integrate the work of every sector.

From the perspective of , an 83 year old elderly person, Mrs. Nuanchan Potha told about the situation of the elderly in her own community that Elderly people who are still healthy must work together. AndDon't think that children have to take care of adults. Because in fact, the elderly can take care of each other. which he wants to bring about the integration of each community among the elderly. Take turns taking care of each other when sick.

“Not all seniors need help. But those who are still strong should join together to do good things for each other, and combining the power of the elderly in the community will create strength as well.”

summary

Important factors to solve and prevent the problem of rights violations of the elderly at present are: Strengthening communities and society to create a system of protection for the elderly. Proposing to amend the law to facilitate the care of the elderly's property. Including the protection of community watchers. Preparing for the transition into a completely aging society Effectively

Illustrations from the internet
Information from a public forum on protecting the rights of the elderly: problems and management

Sources

Information updated 25 September 2026.

Articles worth reading further