The warning is based on data from the National Statistical Office’s survey on the socio-economic conditions of households and a report by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), reports the Bangkok Post.
The NSF said the number of workers aged 46-60, described as the near-retirement group, reached 17.3 million in 2024, accounting for 39% of the working- age population.
Among them, 41.6% were self-employed or owned businesses, meaning they were largely responsible for building sufficient retirement savings over the next 10-15 years.
According to the NSF, rising costs of living have widened the gap between household expenses and savings.
In 2024, this age group spent an average of B8,362 a month while those aged 61-70 spent about B7,603. However, the government’s old-age allowance starts at B600 per month and covers only 7.9% of the average monthly expenses.
The NSF said old people who live alone face higher living costs than those living with family members. Average monthly expenses for the former demographic reached B10,087 because they cannot share housing, food or transport costs with others.
It said the average monthly savings for people aged 46-60 stood at B4,416, making them financially vulnerable as retirement approaches.
Based on the NSF’s estimates, a person who begins saving at the average rate at age 46 would have enough money to cover their living expenses for only about 6.6 years after retirement.
Those who start at age 50 would have savings lasting about 5.1 years, while people beginning at age 55 would only have enough to survive financially for another 2.8 years.
The NSF urged self-employed workers to join the voluntary retirement savings system to ensure they have sufficient savings for old age.