In recognition of Thailand’s National Elderly Day on 13 April, NXPO highlights the growing importance of preparing for an aging society. According to projections by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), by 2035, seniors will make up approximately 28.55% of Thailand’s population. This demographic shift is driving a sharp increase in demand for elderly care professionals. Supporting this trend, data from Kasikorn Bank shows there are over 800 nursing homes and day care centers across the country—760 are small- to medium-sized facilities with fewer than 30 beds, while 40 are larger providers, including private hospitals with more than 30 beds and branch networks. In addition, private hospitals are expanding into retirement community models to provide long-term care for older adults.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further influenced this sector, leading to enhanced safety standards and a shift from communal to individualized care. Consumers are increasingly drawn to holistic and preventive healthcare approaches, driving rapid growth in related services such as senior transport with caregiver accompaniment and integrated wellness and healthcare offerings.
“Elderly caregiver roles are in high demand and continue to grow alongside the broader health sector, including nursing homes, specialized hospitals, wellness services, and home care. These roles can also lead to other healthcare-related careers such as nurse assistants and patient service positions in healthcare facilities.”
To address this growing need and equip the Thai workforce with in-demand skills, NXPO launched the Senior Care Professional (SC Pro) training program under its GenNX Model, a workforce development initiative aligned with labor market demands. The program is a collaborative effort involving the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; the Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B); Generation Thailand; Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University (SSRU); and other key partners. Two cohorts of SC Pro trainees have already completed the program.
The SC Pro program is tailored to equip participants—including recent graduates, those currently employed, or individuals seeking a career transition—with the essential skills needed in elderly care. The 14-week hybrid course combines online theoretical instruction with hands-on training and fieldwork at the Health Promotion and Development Institute for Aging Society at SSRU and within surrounding communities.
Participants develop practical caregiving skills along with the mindset and competencies needed for professional elderly care in both day care and home care environments. Upon completing the program, graduates gain the confidence and qualifications to pursue careers in leading healthcare companies and can register as certified elderly caregivers under Thai law. Career paths include employment in nursing homes, hospitals, and home care services. Graduates with language skills may also find opportunities to care for foreign senior clients. Those who successfully complete the assessment may register as elderly care service providers with the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health.
Graduates will gain the skills and confidence needed to work as senior care professionals. They will have opportunities to work with leading health service companies and can also register as elderly caregivers. Career paths may include roles in nursing homes, hospitals, and home care services. For those with language proficiency, there are also opportunities to care for foreign elderly clients. In addition, graduates who pass assessments can register as elderly care service providers with the Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health.
For more information on SC Pro program, please visit: https://thailand.generation.org/programs/senior-care-professional/
