Aged persons to double youngsters in Thailand in 2030

BANGKOK, July 1 (TNA) - The number of aged people in Thailand is expected double that of youths by the year 2030. Deputy Public Health Minister Dr. Surawit Khonsomboon says there are currently around 8.3 million aged persons in Thailand, or about 13 per cent from the total population of 64 million. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high-blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s are common among the group. Latest statistics show that those aged above 65 years old carry at least one of the diseases. According to Dr. Surawit, the government has therefore mapped out healthcare service plans for the elderly citizens, who are eligible for express treatment at state-run hospitals, especially those above 70 years old. (TNA)