01-02 Thailand - John Bulloch

Like so many developed nations of Europe, Thailand is experiencing long-term population decline with the typical pattern of low birthrates and low mortality, yet a reluctance to open its borders to people from the neighbouring countries of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Thailand is a good example of the issue of population changes in the developed world. Not dramatic changes like the population explosion in Indonesia or the population collapses of Bulgaria, but issues that require tough political decisions.
The map helps distinguish Thailand from its neighbours, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Similar languages like the nations of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. And yet nations that differ in their economic development, culture and wealth.
Mary and I travelled to Bangkok in 1977, and it was really something. Like visiting Paris in France, or Venice in Italy. Everything is so colorful. People travelling by small boats loaded with vegetables heading to one of their local sea markets. Like the photo.
And of course we visited Johny’s Gems to buy some jewelry to memorialize our trip. We arrived with a staff member from the Canadian embassy, which gave us a special embassy discount.
Back in 1977, it seemed their major business was sex tourism, with seven story buildings which were so-called “houses of ill-repute” which serviced plane loads of Japanese men who arrived each weekend.
Today, however, Bangkok is one of those cities threatened by climate change and the rising oceans. I remember having to take off my shoes and socks to cross the road. It was just like the photo of the flooded main street.
A typical debate is taking place about the long-term shrinkage of the population. The need to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65. The need to train older workers to deal with shortages of labour. And the need to allow more immigrants from Laos.
Of its population of 69.9 million, Thailand is already quite diverse, with something like 10 million Chinese citizens. It could deal with its long-term population issues if it opened its doors to immigration. This is just not politically feasible at this time.
One thing Thailand has going for it is its attraction as one of the world’s most exciting tourist destinations. And every evening at the great restaurants you would enjoy one of their native shows.
But jobs as dancers is not the issue. It is the shortage of young educated workers to fill jobs in their growing high tech sector. That is the scary reality of a shrinking population.
It is an issue for all the developed nations of the world.