Thailand

Thailand is moving rapidly into an ageing phase. In 2023, 20.2% of the population was aged 60 and above, and this share is projected to exceed 28% by 2030. Birth rates have fallen below death rates, and the fertility rate is now extremely low, contributing to population decline.

These demographic changes coexist with a nutrition landscape marked by persistent undernutrition, rising overweight and obesity, and a growing burden of diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Together, they create new public health and policy challenges for an ageing society.

Thailand continues to face multiple nutrition challenges. Among children under five, 10.5% are stunted and around 10% are overweight or obese. Among adolescents aged 13–17, 10.7% are overweight while 8.6% experience thinness.

In adults, 32% are overweight and 9% are obese. Fruit and vegetable intake remains inadequate across the population, and older adults are especially vulnerable to low intake of fruits, vegetables, and protein.

Although Thailand’s food-based dietary guidelines promote at least 400 grams of colorful fruits and vegetables per day, adherence remains uneven because of affordability and knowledge barriers.

Food insecurity remains a persistent issue in Thailand. About 23.7% of the population faces mild food insecurity and 0.8% severe food insecurity.

Women, older adults, and rural residents are disproportionately affected. Rural food insecurity is notably higher than urban food insecurity, reflecting broader inequalities in income, access, and food affordability.

These patterns show that nutrition problems in Thailand are shaped not only by individual choices, but also by structural inequalities linked to geography, ageing, and socioeconomic status.

Thailand’s nutrition policy is led by the Ministry of Public Health, with support from the Food and Drug Administration, academic institutions, and public health foundations.

Key national actions include food-based dietary guidelines, mandatory nutrition facts on packaged foods, Guideline Daily Amount labels on selected processed products, and the voluntary Healthier Choice logo.

Other important measures include the sugar tax introduced under the Excise Tax Act (2017), school lunch and childcare nutrition standards, and restrictions on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes and infant foods.

Thailand’s food environment has changed significantly with urbanization, retail modernization, and technological change. Traditional fresh markets remain important, especially in rural areas, but supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and food delivery platforms increasingly shape food access.

Platforms such as Grab, LINE MAN, and Foodpanda have transformed urban food purchasing, particularly among working-age adults seeking convenience.

At the same time, unhealthy food marketing strongly influences children and adolescents, while healthier foods often remain less affordable than processed alternatives, especially for low-income households.

Fruit and vegetable consumption remains below recommended levels across age groups.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, and protein.

Noncommunicable diseases account for 74% of all deaths in Thailand.

This highlights the urgent need for healthier diets, food environments, and preventive policy action.