Thailand-Japan exchange and cooperation in regard to care and medical treatment of the aged

Contributed by: Longstay Committee of JTBF
Y. Katono (Chairman)

Current status of the aged

Japan is the society of which aged population is quite high. Population of the aged 65 or older is 28 millions, 21% of the general population. Population 75 or older is 13 millions, 10% of the general population. While 4.6 millions of the aged are in need of care, caregivers are availbale in number of 1.2 millions only, not sufficient enough and required to be 1.5 millions in 5 years. Care facilities are not sufficient either. At-home care by the old couples themselves, sometimes with dementia, is increasing and causing serious problems.

Thailand is also becoming the aged society. The aged 65 or older occupies 8% of the general population. Population 60 or older, currently 6.7 millions, 11% of the general population, is expected to be 8 millions in 3 years. From now on, Thailand will be aging faster than Japan. At-home care occupies the majority. In regard to caregivers, qualification system is not introduced yet. In the mean time, Thailand proclaims herself to be a medical hub in Asia and promoting medical tourism and receiving 1.5 millions of foreign patients.

Exchange/cooperation between Thailand and Japan

Cooperation through exchanges of hardware, software and personnel is recommended for further considerations.

1. Research and development of Thai local products to be used by the aged (personal, home and business uses)
   1. Food: safe, easy to eat, tasty, nutrient balanced, easy to cook
   2. Apparel and footwear: safe, easy to put on and take off, fashionable, colorful, flame-resistant
   3. Furniture and home use facility (bed, table, chair, wheel chair, handrail, door, floor material): safe, easy to use
   Note: In International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition 2008, 25 thousands items were displayed by 16 countries, 530 companies.
2. Training and introduction of qualification system for Thai caregivers
   Training and the qualification system could be provisions for Thailand internal requirement as well as for export of care services. Japan can provide with training curriculums and/or instructors.
   On the other hand, Japanese caregivers are encouraged to learn Thai massage as it is one of effective care services.
   
   Note: As we supported 3 months training of 2 Thai nurse aids, they submitted completion reports with comments as "I would like to become a caregiver." as well as "I do not mind working in Japan.".
3. Expansion of care facilities in Thailand
   While public care facilities for the aged are limited in number (2 in Bangkok), Japanese Chamber of Commerce donated 27 millions Baht in 2005 for expansion of the facilities in Bangkae, Bangkok. Japan can provide supports of facilities as well as know-how's in regard to operation of the facilities.
4. Promotion of long-stayers of those who need care and/or medical treatment
   If Thailand can afford to accept, the current medical tourism could better be expanded to include a new target. In Japan, while an estimated number of dementia patients is 2 millions, only one kind of medicine for the disease is available as approved. It is said that 4 kinds of medicine including user-friendly patch-type are approved in Thailand.
   Another example of differences from Japan, the aroma therapy is said to be effective for dementia and, in Australia, it is put in practice already.
   
   Note: Malaysia provides 10 years long-stay visa and those companies which support promote long-stayers welcome couples with dementia also. Long stay visa of Thailand requires the certificate of health. However it is concerned whether or not it accepts those who are in good health but have dementia.