|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Thailand has consistently worked to integrate the elderly into the digital landscape, recognising their significant potential to contribute to society. As of 2016, approximately 11% of the Thai population, or about 7.5 million people, were aged 65 or older, up from 5% in 1995. By 2040, this figure is projected to reach 17 million, making up over a quarter of the population. In 2022, individuals older than 60 represented 19.46% of the population. However, the situation is concerning, with 34% of Thai seniors living below the poverty line.
In response to these challenges, Mr Sombun Mekpaiboonwattana, an expert in digital technology management and communications at the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDC), has emphasised the importance of elevating seniors in digital transformation. His belief is that digital literacy for the elderly is crucial to ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly technological world. This reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity and the conviction that digital skills are essential across all age groups.
Mr Mekpaiboonwattana recently presided over the opening of a training activity aimed at enhancing the capacity of the elderly population to become proficient digital citizens. This initiative is part of a broader project to assess media and information literacy in Thailand, with a specific focus on seniors.
The event took place at Khlong Pang Subdistrict Municipality in Ratsada District, Trang Province, and was attended by a range of key figures. Mr Mekpaiboonwattana led a delegation of civil servants and NDC officials to observe the training. Mrs Pilap Rakthai, a statistician from Trang Province, contributed her expertise, while the local government, represented by Mr Suphakit Satsawan, the mayor of Khlong Pang Subdistrict Municipality, and other officials, warmly welcomed the attendees.
The digital literacy course was designed to equip the elderly with essential skills for thriving in the digital age and ensuring a quality ageing experience. The morning session focused on theoretical training, covering crucial topics such as digital literacy for Thai citizens, digital technology usage and cybersecurity, media and information literacy, and effective social media use for seniors.
In the afternoon, the training transitioned to practical applications, allowing participants to engage directly with various digital tools. They explored applications designed to support their daily lives, including communication tools, health monitoring applications, and other resources aimed at enhancing their overall quality of life.
This comprehensive training programme not only aimed to bridge the digital divide but also sought to empower seniors with the confidence and skills to navigate the digital world securely. “By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, the course ensured participants could effectively use digital tools and resources, fostering a more inclusive and digitally literate society,” explains Mr Mekpaiboonwattana.
OpenGov Asia reported on similar efforts to improve digital skills among the elderly in Thailand. Dr Phnom Kleechaya’s research project from Chula University addressed the unique challenges faced by older adults in a digitalised society. Recognising the need to empower this demographic, Dr. Kleechaya’s initiative focused on enhancing the technology intelligence of seniors to bolster their security and overall quality of life.
The project aimed to promote Active Aging through digitalisation, enabling the elderly to navigate the digital world with proficiency. It extended beyond mere technological adaptation to include income generation, improved health, and enhanced life quality, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to digital inclusion for the elderly.
Looking forward, Thailand’s initiatives are expected to expand, addressing emerging digital needs and fostering greater inclusivity. The government’s commitment to digital transformation aims to bridge the generational divide and ensure that seniors can fully participate in and benefit from the digital world.
