Thailand
We work with affiliates and partners, such as civil society networks and academics, to advocate for older people's rights, including improvements to old age pensions.
We help older people engage in productive activities to earn an income and improve their livelihoods.
We help older people in their homes by carrying out repairs, improving sanitation, and providing mobility aids and medical check-ups.
We support volunteers who provide care at home to frail and disadvantaged older people.
We raise public awareness of ageing issues through work with the media.
Life story: Mr Toonmuang, 87
A home care volunteer visits an older man at home.
Judith Escribano/HelpAge International
Mr Toonmuang, 87, is a widower. He receives home visits from a volunteer home carer in Chiang Mai.
He also visits an older people's centre and has had his home repaired.
We carry out this work in Thailand through our affiliate, the Foundation for Older Persons' Development (FOPDEV).
He says:
"I feel so much happier now the volunteer comes.
"I know more about my health and it's comforting to get moral support.
"The centre helps to relieve the boredom. I know my life would be a lot worse without it.
"Every month I have my blood pressure checked there and since I've been going, it has gone down."
The difference we made in 2010-11
- We helped almost 800 older people affected by HIV or AIDS engage in income generating activities and form mutual support groups.
- Our lobbying helped convince the government to transform the temporary 500 Thai Baht (US$16) monthly social pension into a permanent pension through amendments to the Older Person's Act.
- We helped 1,370 older people receive training and financial support to start income generating activities.
- We helped almost 5,000 older people attend health promotion activities and increase their access to health services.
What next?
- We will advocate for the old age social pension to increase from 500 Thai Baht (US$16) to 1,500 Thai Baht (US$48) a month.
- We will help a further 200 households containing older people to engage in income-generating activities.
- We will work with other NGOs, community organisations and local authorities to roll out more home care schemes.
- We will help older people's groups develop activities that will promote older people's rights, including health promotions and access to health services.
See how older people's associations help communities in Thailand
Our affiliates
Foundation for Older Persons' Development (FOPDEV), Senior Citizens' Council of Thailand
Our partners
Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Civil Society Network for Welfare State
Our donors
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), ROK-ASEAN Co-operation Fund, Age UK
