The social situation in Thailand: the impact on elderly people.

Most Thai people are Buddhists who believe in the concept of repayment for their parents' goodness and usually live with their parents. Currently, a growing number of older Thai people, as well as the changing Thai society, is affected by the need for more health-care services and social support. The intention of this paper is to describe the social situations in Thailand that impact on support for Thai people aged 60 years and older. The paper covers demographic change, socio-economic change, family structure, Buddhism and the health of elderly people. The information presented is based on socio-economic knowledge and former research studies, and is intended to be used as the basis for better nursing care and health-care services in Thailand.