BANGKOK – Thailand has launched a matchmaking campaign after the country’s birth rate fell to its lowest level – 1.51 births per woman – last year, well below the population replacement level of 2.1.
The government’s “Marriage for Building the Nation” initiative will see the Reproductive Health Bureau playing Cupid by holding a gathering on May 14 for singles to find true love.
Registration is open till March 31, and both locals and foreigners are encouraged to sign up.
According to official data, Thailand’s total fertility rate (TFR) fell to 1.51 – or below 600,000 newborns – last year.
Prof Kamthorn Pruksananonda, chairman of a sub-committee on reproductive medicine at the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said the national TFR used to stand at 5.1.
“The rate is expected to drop further to 1.3 in less than a decade.
“There are a few factors that contribute to the low birth rate in the kingdom, including seeking infertility consultation at the average age of 38, which is considered late.
“At that age, a woman’s chances of having a baby with Down syndrome are high.”
He cited Japan and Europe, where the average age of women seeking such consultation is 32.
Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha has said the government will offer “fertility help” and other benefits to married couples who want to have kids.
“We need to have at least 1.5 births per woman to replace the population, or else, there will be a large ageing population in the near future.”– Bernama, February 14, 2021
