The Sacred Heart Home for the Aged in Samphran, west of Bangkok, offers comfort and spiritual care for Thailand’s growing elderly population (Photo by Watcharee Kitsawat)
By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai
THAILAND – As Thailand continues its swift transition into one of the world’s fastest-aging societies, the Congregation of the Sacred Heart Convent inaugurated the Sacred Heart Home for the Aged in Samphran, west of Bangkok, on Jun 27.
“I hope that this home will be supported by all of us to make it sustainable and to provide pastoral care so that the elderly may live here with happiness and hope,” said Sr Anna Aranya Kitbunchu, Superior General of the Congregation.
The opening of the home for the aged coincided with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and comes as the Catholic Church celebrates the Jubilee Year 2025.
The Sacred Heart Home, designed to offer aged Catholics and non-Catholics who are left alone at home comfort, community, and spiritual care, reflects the growing urgency to address the challenges posed by Thailand’s aging population.
Thailand is rapidly becoming a super-aged society, according to the latest national statistics. Of its 67 million people, approximately 12 million are elderly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that since 2005, Thailand has been classified as an “aged society,” with those aged 60 and above accounting for at least 10% of the population.
