TAO elections confront an ‘era of change'

Local govts to face 'wave of challenges'

- POST REPORTERS

The Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) elections on Jan 11 will be a pivotal moment, as local governments must be prepared to confront a new wave of challenges, Deputy Prime Minister Borwornsak Uwanno said.

Delivering a keynote speech at a forum on local governance at the King Prajadhipok’s Institute on Wednesday, the deputy premier said that among those challenges were an ageing society, urban expansion, a full-scale digital transition, and widening inequality between local units.

He said that for five consecutive years, Thailand has recorded fewer births than deaths. Currently, two working-age people support one senior citizen. In 10 years, the ratio will drop to 1:1. This has prompted the government to study extending the retirement age to 65. Meanwhile, younger generations — Gen Z and Alpha — prioritise work-life balance and frequently change jobs, posing challenges for the civil service.