The study is conducted by the National Statistical Office every 10 years. The latest survey covered 82,000 households, or about 330,000 people in over 2,000 villages throughout the country, from 2005-2006. The survey found that the ratio of the workforce-aged population to children and the elderly had increased and was heading in the same direction as several developed countries.

"The figures show 100 workforce-aged people per 35 children and 17 seniors," said Pattama Amornsirisomboon, a statistics expert at the office.

The numbers of men and children has steadily declined while the workforce-aged and older population has increased.

The birth rate has plummeted to only 10.85 per 1,000, from 42.2 in 1964-1965 and 17.9 in the previous survey in 1995-1996. According to the latest survey, the Northeast has the highest birth rate with 12.24 while Bangkok has the lowest at only 8.63.

The ratio of newborn boys to girls was 107:100.

The top cause of death was cancer, followed by heart disease, accidents and drowning. The life expectancy of women is 77 years, while men tend to expire at 69.

"Throughout the past 30 years, the life expectancy of women has always been longer than men, especially in Bangkok, where women live to about 82. The capital's men can expect only 74 years," Pattama added.

Chatrarat Kaewmorakot

The Nation