The Impact of Aging Society on Public Health Expenditure in Thailand

Abstract

This article aimed (1) examine the overview of the elderly population and government expenditure on public health in Thailand, and (2) investigate the relationship between the elderly population and government expenditure on public health in Thailand. The researcher conducted data analysis using both descriptive and quantitative statistics. Time-series data was collected from relevant agency websites. The analysis involved descriptive statistics, such as means and percentages, and quantitative statistical analysis using annual secondary data from 1985 to 2022. Long-term relationships were analyzed using the method proposed by Pesaran, Shin, and Smith, while short-term adjustments to long-term equilibrium were assessed using the Error Correction Model. The result of the study found that: Prior to Thailand becoming an aging society, the average proportion of government expenditure on public health was approximately 7%. After Thailand transitioned into an aging society, this proportion increased to an average of about 10%, reflecting a noticeable increase in average government expenditure on public health. The elderly population and the COVID-19 situation did not impact long-term public health expenditure. However, GDP per capita had a positive effect on long-term public health expenditure at a 99% confidence level, with a short-term adjustment to long-term equilibrium of 41.55%.