In 2024, there are about 13.5 million older persons in Thailand or 20.5% of the population. The elderly population is projected to make up 31% of the population by 2040. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities to improve elderly care.
The Department of Health aims to promote independent living and longer quality of life for all seniors through various strategies, in line with the WHO Integrated care for older people (ICOPE). It cooperates with multisectoral partners to provide seamless health and social care for older people across the various stages of aging. Finally, it calls on society to rethink how we support families balancing caregiving with work, creating environments that promote well-being for all generations.
On 2 October 2025, the World Health Organization visited the Baan RuenRom Elderly Day Care Center at the Ministry of Public Health, an initiative by Thailand’s Department of Health designed to provide services for independent and healthy older adults. The center combines research-based knowledge with a multi-disciplinary approach to deliver comprehensive care, aiming to improve quality of life, prevent illness and support self-reliance.
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Dr. Natthapong Kunthawong, Director of the Bureau of Elder Health at the Department of Health and Dr Olivia Nieveras, Senior Public Health Specialist at WHO Thailand with their teams from the Department of Health and WHO Thailand. Photo credit: Department of Health
At the center, elderly individuals receive the care they require while their family members are at work, providing peace of mind and support for families. The initiative, which was established in 2024, serves as a pilot project, aiming to inspire local government organizations across the country to establish similar centers in their communities.
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Various services offered at Baan RuenRom Elderly Day Care Center. Photo credit: Department of Health
The center operates from morning to evening, providing a full day of care, nutritious meals, and a diverse range of activities designed to promote both physical and mental health. Caregivers create personalized care plans based on everyone’s needs and conditions.
In addition to health-promoting activities like exercise and rehabilitation, the center offers brain-training games to stimulate cognitive function, as well as art and music therapy to support emotional well-being. These programs not only keep seniors engaged but also foster meaningful social connections, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and combat loneliness and depression.
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Baan RuenRom Elderly Day Care at the Ministry of Public Health. Photo credit: Department of Health
Dr. Natthapong Kunthawong, Director of the Bureau of Elderly Health at the Department of Health shared his experience:
"I remember the first day an elderly individual joined the center—someone who didn’t speak a single word. But as they interacted with others and became part of the daycare community, they slowly adapted. It was incredible to see how powerful social connections can be in helping seniors thrive."
The story of Baan RuenRom has shown that community-based care models can make a real difference and contribute to addressing social isolation and loneliness. According to WHO estimates, a quarter of older adults experience social isolation and loneliness. In 2025, WHO Member States adopted a World Health Assembly resolution titled “Fostering Social Connection for Global Health” urging countries to implement inclusive policies and strengthen community bonds and support.
WHO Thailand is supporting Thailand’s important shift, in alignment with the 78th WHA Resolution on social connection, the WHO Commission on Social Connection and the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). The Decade aims to give everyone the chance to add "life to years," promoting good health and well-being in later life, rather than simply extending lifespan.
As the Baan RuenRom Elderly Day Care center continues to thrive, it serves as an inspiration for other regions in Thailand to replicate its approach. With the leadership of Ministry of Public Health, and engagement of local governments, Thailand is paving the way for an enhanced elderly quality of life through stronger family involvement and a sustainable care network—one that prioritizes not just health, but the well-being, social connection and inclusion of its aging population.