Thailand urges informal workers to prepare for their retirement
More than 16 million informal workers in Thailand have not participated in any savings scheme to prepare for their life during retirement even though the country is expected to become an aged society in the next two years.
In 2022, Thailand had 29.5 million informal workers but only 13.4 million of them were utilising a saving scheme for their retirement. (Photo:thaipbsworld.com)
Bangkok (VNA)෴ – More than 16 million informalworkers in Thailand have not participated in any savings scheme to prepare fortheir life during retirement even though the country is expected to become anaged society in the next two years.
Thai Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said thatThailand is now an aging society as at least 10% of its population has been 60years old and more since 2005. In the next few years, the country will become an agedsociety with the number of elderly people surging to 20% of the totalpopulation. The country will set to become a super-aged society in 2034when the elderly make up 28% of the total population. In 2022, Thailand had 29.5 million informal workers but only13.4 million of them were utilising a saving scheme for theirretirement. Arkhom said that the Finance Ministry has tried to make theNational Savings Fund (NSF) more attractive to informal workers. Last month, Thailand’s Government cabinet approved anincrease in the Government’s contribution to the NSF by up to 1,800 baht (over 53USD) for every member of all ages yearly. The cabinet also approved that members will make the maximumcontribution of 30,000 baht every year instead of 13,200 baht ascurrently. The changes are expected to help ensure fund members whoretired at 60 years old will get a monthly pension of 12,000 baht. Currently,they receive a monthly average pension of 5,000 baht. The current contribution of the Government to the NFS variesdepending on the age of the participating member. For example, for those agedfrom 15 to 30, the government pays 50% of their contribution, but not more than600 baht per year. For those aged between 50 and 60, the government pays 100%of their contribution, but no more than 1,200 baht per year./.
Land prices in Bangkok capital city of Thailand has skyrocketed 75% in recent years due to infrastructure development along with urbanisation driven by mass transit expansion.
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is expected to achieve pre-COVID-19 pandemic level by the end of year, Thai Deputy Government Spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul has said, citing a projection by the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. Co.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
In 2022, Thailand had 29.5 million informal workers but only 13.4 million of them were utilising a saving scheme for their retirement. (Photo:thaipbsworld.com) 
