Bangkok: The government is paving the way for the establishment of "Senior Citizen Schools" nationwide, with new guidelines published in the Royal Gazette to improve the quality of life for the elderly. Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government has continuously implemented policies to support the transition to an aging society. Most recently, the Royal Gazette published an announcement from the Department of Elderly Affairs regarding the establishment of Senior Citizen Schools in 2026, to provide a uniform standard framework nationwide for promoting and improving the quality of life for senior citizens at the community level.
According to Thai News Agency, this announcement is a significant step that will make it easier for local administrative organizations and communities to establish "Senior Citizen Schools" and provide clearer operational guidelines. These schools can be designed to align with the real-life lifestyles of senior citizens, promote physical and mental health, encourage social participation, and help develop their potential and protect their rights.
The Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office further clarified the process of establishing senior citizen schools, stating that it will begin with forming groups of senior citizens in each area. Then, a working group will be formed to develop a plan and design activities that meet the needs of the community, such as healthcare, digital skills development, supplementary income generation, and social participation.
Any private sector organization, community organization, or local authority interested in implementing such a project can use this new regulation as a basis for establishing and carrying out its implementation immediately throughout the country.