On the afternoon of June 29, 2026, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, the master's thesis defense of graduate student Do Le Thi Thuy Van was held on the topic "Population aging in Thailand: Current situation and challenges in the 2005–2024 period (A case study of Bangkok)", under the scientific supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan and Dr. Nguyen Minh Nhut.
The thesis evaluation committee consisted of: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Ngoc Diep - Committee Chair; Dr. Le Thanh Hoa - Reviewer 1; Dr. Tran Hanh Minh Phuong - Reviewer 2; Dr. Duong Hien Hanh - Committee Secretary; and Dr. Van Trung Hieu - Member.
The thesis is organized into three main chapters:
Chapter 1: Theoretical and practical basis of population aging;
Chapter 2: Current situation of population aging in Bangkok - Thailand;
Chapter 3: Challenges posed by population aging to Bangkok - Thailand.
The thesis focuses on researching the process of population aging in Thailand in the context of the country entering a period of rapid aging, becoming one of the fastest-aging nations in the Southeast Asian region. Through a case study of Bangkok, the thesis analyzes the current status of population aging in terms of demographics, economy, society, health, and public policy, while clarifying challenges to the social security system, labor market, healthcare, and urban development amid demographic structural shifts. Based on this, the thesis proposes several groups of solutions and policy recommendations to improve the quality of life for the elderly, develop age-friendly cities, and provide reference experiences for Vietnam in the process of responding to population aging. During the research process, the student applied theories on population aging, active aging, age-friendly cities, and public policy appropriately. The thesis uses a mixed-methods research approach, combining literature review, secondary statistical data analysis, survey questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and data processing using SPSS software, thereby contributing to the reliability and objectivity of the research results.
At the defense, the committee members assessed that the thesis has scientific and practical significance, contributing to clarifying the landscape of population aging in Thailand, especially in Bangkok during the 2005–2024 period. The thesis is recognized for its serious investment in the research process, relatively complete systematization of the theoretical and practical basis, appropriate application of research methods, and demonstrated capability in synthesizing, analyzing, and processing data. The research results and policy recommendations of the thesis have reference value for research, teaching, and policy-making activities related to population aging in Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.
