Thailand Commences First National Census in 15 Years
The national census aims to update demographic data to inform policies on welfare, education, and infrastructure.
Thailand has initiated its first national census in 15 years, aimed at collecting updated demographic data crucial for addressing significant trends such as declining birth rates, an ageing population, labour shortages, and an increasing foreign population.
According to Phutchaphong Notthaisong, director of the National Statistical Office (NSO), the updated information is essential for enhancing the national database.
The newly gathered data will be instrumental in shaping various national policies, including those related to welfare, education, and infrastructure.
The NSO seeks to gain comprehensive insights into the demographic structure of Thailand, focusing on migration patterns, living conditions, and employment trends that are pivotal for formulating future housing and labour strategies.
It is anticipated that about half of the nation's population will complete the census questionnaire online, a significant increase from the 14% participation rate recorded in the previous census.
To facilitate participation, the NSO will send text message reminders to participants.
The census will be open for completion on the NSO website and through the government's Thang Rath app from April 1 to June 19. Additionally, the NSO has introduced incentives, including smartphones and other electronic devices, for those who complete the survey online during the initial period from April 1 to April 20.
A budget of 400 million baht has been designated for the census, which covers expenses for employing more than 40,000 personnel from Thailand Post to conduct face-to-face interviews from April 21 to June 19. Approximately 4 million households across 11 provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Si Sa Ket, Roi Et, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, and Songkhla, will be approached for interviews, with a particular focus on remote areas lacking internet access.
The census questionnaire comprises 12 main topics and, for the first time, includes a section dedicated to LGBTQ+ demographics.
Upon completion of the census in June, the data will be analyzed utilizing artificial intelligence and big data technologies to enhance the accuracy of the findings.
The final report detailing the census results is expected to be released between October and December.
According to Phutchaphong Notthaisong, director of the National Statistical Office (NSO), the updated information is essential for enhancing the national database.
The newly gathered data will be instrumental in shaping various national policies, including those related to welfare, education, and infrastructure.
The NSO seeks to gain comprehensive insights into the demographic structure of Thailand, focusing on migration patterns, living conditions, and employment trends that are pivotal for formulating future housing and labour strategies.
It is anticipated that about half of the nation's population will complete the census questionnaire online, a significant increase from the 14% participation rate recorded in the previous census.
To facilitate participation, the NSO will send text message reminders to participants.
The census will be open for completion on the NSO website and through the government's Thang Rath app from April 1 to June 19. Additionally, the NSO has introduced incentives, including smartphones and other electronic devices, for those who complete the survey online during the initial period from April 1 to April 20.
A budget of 400 million baht has been designated for the census, which covers expenses for employing more than 40,000 personnel from Thailand Post to conduct face-to-face interviews from April 21 to June 19. Approximately 4 million households across 11 provinces, including Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Si Sa Ket, Roi Et, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, and Songkhla, will be approached for interviews, with a particular focus on remote areas lacking internet access.
The census questionnaire comprises 12 main topics and, for the first time, includes a section dedicated to LGBTQ+ demographics.
Upon completion of the census in June, the data will be analyzed utilizing artificial intelligence and big data technologies to enhance the accuracy of the findings.
The final report detailing the census results is expected to be released between October and December.
