Thailand Launches International Day of Older Persons Campaign
Thailand's Ministry of Social Development launched a campaign for International Day of Older Persons on September 24, focusing on enabling seniors to contribute to economic and social development through employment and financial security.
The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security held the 2026 International Day of Older Persons event on September 24, 2026, showcasing how older adults can drive economic and social development. Dr. Ankaachai Rueangratanakorn, advisor to the ministry, presided over the opening ceremony under the global theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives," aimed at raising awareness and preparing all sectors to support an aging world population with quality of life.
Dr. Ankaachai explained that the United Nations designated October 1 each year as International Day of Older Persons to recognize the value, dignity, rights, and important role of older people. For 2026, the UN has identified four key priorities: promoting health for quality aging, ensuring financial security and social protection, creating inclusive labor opportunities for older workers to contribute to society, and maintaining dignity and equality to reduce inequality in a sustainable aging society.
The 2026 International Day of Older Persons event runs September 24-25, 2026, featuring several activities including a statement reading, signing a memorandum of understanding on employment promotion between the Department of Older Persons and employers, and announcing the Senior Star Thailand 2026 awards. Dr. Ankaachai emphasized that the event creates a learning space for cooperation between sectors to enable older adults to use their potential and participate in economic and social life, and called on all sectors to shift perspective from "preparing society to support older people" to "co-designing a society for longer lives for people of all ages."
