The increase in the number of people choosing to remain single is a global phenomenon. In Thailand, a recent survey showed that more and more people are choosing to be single. They claim that being single allows them to focus more on personal development and goals, as well as the opportunity to become more independent and abandon traditional norms.
As a result, Thailand needs to do more to help singles find love in order to cope with the sharp drop in the birth rate. Some people urged the Thai government to do more to help couples find love, encourage marriage, and reverse the declining birth rate to reduce the negative socio-economic consequences.
Why are Thais single?
The National Economic and Social Development Commission recently released the results of the 2023 Household Socio-Economic Survey. 23.9% of Thais are single. In particular, the percentage of singles in the childbearing age group (15-49 years) reaches 40.5% by 2023, compared to 35.7% in 2017.
Interestingly, most singles live in cities. A third of them, mostly women, have at least a bachelor's degree. Surveys show that social values are one of the main factors associated with singleness.
Singles can be divided into three main categories:
1. Single young people, childless (SINK), living happily ever after, spoiling themselves with money on delicious food, travel, and expensive communication tools;
2. Working women, childless (PANK), generally over 30 years old, well-educated, well-paid, but childless, spending money to take care of their single people;
3. Defines singles who choose to wait for love, in part because they are not ready. Most of them are less educated and have limited incomes.
Cultural expectations and different expectations in relationships also play an important role in choosing to remain single. For example, in Asian culture, getting married means facing high expectations from your family. A 2021 survey by a large Thai matchmaking agency found that more than 76% of women surveyed said they would not date a man who earns less than themselves.
83% said they wouldn't date a man shorter than themselves. At the same time, about 59% of men surveyed said they would not date women who are taller than themselves. 60% said they wouldn't date a divorced woman. The lack of opportunities to meet new people is another reason why some Thais stay single.
Data from 2022 shows that singles work longer hours. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Thai singles work 43.2 hours per week, slightly higher than the national average of 42.3 hours. Bangkok has the fifth-longest working week in the world, which is also one of the barriers for singles to find a partner.
The more new people you meet, the more likely you are to find a partner. What's more, household surveys also show that state-supported programs and activities to help people find a partner are inconsistent, and many are not aligned with their aspirations.
Fall in love with singles
Being single can be a good option for many people, including Meaw and Gale. Being single allows them to create a life for themselves, thrive and set goals while promoting their emotional well-being.
Miss Miao says dating isn't her priority right now. The 32-year-old young woman's goal is to advance her career and achieve her dream of owning her own home. She works as a sales manager for a medical supply company and spends most of her time traveling, meeting with customers around town and in downtown communities.
After work, she was overwhelmed by the daily routine. "I'm too busy to have time for a date." After a long day at work, I just want to eat a healthy meal, chat with friends on social media, share my thoughts and feelings with them, and take a break.
On weekends I wanted to go on a wonderful trip and visit new places. Now that's enough for me," she said.
Mio has been dating someone for a while, but after discovering that her boyfriend has a very different attitude towards living with her parents, she is not interested in a serious relationship. She ended the relationship because she didn't want a relationship drama.
"My ex-boyfriend wanted me to move out and live in the same house as his family in order to be closer to them after marriage. But I prefer to live as a couple, separated from my parents. Also, I'm not sure if I want to have a child and be a good mother," she said. Today, Mio's priority is to buy a house. "I was free to stand on my own two feet.
I can do what I want without worrying about what my ex is doing. I'm going to buy a house. This is an important step that marks success and stability. Home is a comfortable place for me," she said.
As for Miss Gale, 27, she said being single gave her freedom and independence. In past relationships, she had to adapt and compromise with her boyfriend. She falls in love with men who don't fit her. She recently dated an Italian man whose religion was different from hers, which led to tension and conflict.
"It's hard to disagree with someone you love," she said, acknowledging that having the same beliefs is crucial in a relationship. Nowadays, she embraces singleness, tries to put things in perspective, takes care of herself, and figures out if she really wants to be part of a couple.
"I'm learning to love myself more. I feel more comfortable, more confident, and more independent. I have work, family, friends, and time.
I can do whatever I want, whatever I want. I can make my own decisions without asking too much about others. Life is good," said Gail, Thailand's luxury fashion brand manager with a master's degree in marketing and visual branding.
Even though she has experienced breakups before, she is not afraid to be in love again. "It's better to find someone who really loves me and cares about me.
And, of course, there are people who share the same values and mindset," Gale said.
Fight against the decline in the birth rate
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said the Thai government would make reducing the birth rate a priority on the national agenda.
However, he may have to take desperate measures to help couples find love, which is also seen as a priority.
According to the United Nations, Thailand's current birth rate in 2024 is 9.399 per 1,000 people, down 1.4 percent from 2023. This decline has had significant economic and social consequences. Experts say that if current trends continue, Thailand's population will halve within 60 years, from 660,000 to 33 million.
To address this, the government proposes to invest in the development of tools to connect couples and work with platform developers to encourage singles to use tools that allow them to meet. Policymakers should develop a policy that promotes work-life balance among employees in both the public and private sectors, which will help people, including single people, have a better quality of life.
This will also allow them time to devote to activities that interest them and to meet people, thus increasing the likelihood of meeting up. In addition, it is important for the government to help them improve their job skills, which can boost their career development and increase their income. Above all, it should implement programs and activities that promote social participation so that single people can get to know each other.