A new study has revealed that among the four grandparents, one in particular may have a more profound effect on the lives of their grandchildren—a finding that offers fresh perspective on Thai family life and intergenerational support. Although the influence of grandparents is well-recognised in Thai culture, the research highlights the unique and measurable ways a specific grandparent can shape children’s well-being and development, reigniting conversations about the evolving dynamics of the modern Thai household.
The importance of grandparents in Thai society is deeply rooted. Extended family living arrangements, especially in upcountry areas, remain common, with grandparents often stepping in as primary caregivers due to economic migration, divorce, or parental work obligations. In this context, understanding which grandparent holds the greatest sway may guide families and policymakers in fostering supportive environments for children.
The study, which has made headlines internationally, concluded that maternal grandmothers—mothers of a child’s mother—frequently exert the most significant influence on grandchildren’s psychological, emotional, and sometimes even physical health outcomes. Researchers attribute this impact to close physical proximity, emotional bonds, and, evolutionarily, the certainty of biological connection through maternal lineage, a concept known as the “grandmother hypothesis” in anthropological circles [source: BuzzFeed, The Lancet].
Historically, numerous cross-cultural and evolutionary psychology studies have found that maternal grandmothers are more consistently involved in child-rearing, as opposed to paternal grandmothers or either grandfather. A 2017 analysis in the journal ‘Evolution and Human Behavior’ noted that children with engaged maternal grandmothers experience improved survival rates and better nutrition during early childhood, a pattern observed from Finland to East Asia (PubMed). Psychologists suggest that Thai family dynamics, with traditions of maternal relatives cohabitating or actively supporting young parents, align with these patterns, despite rapid urbanisation.
Thai educators and child psychologists at prominent universities have added that grandmothers frequently serve as the emotional backbone of the household. “In many rural communities, especially in Isaan and the North, grandmothers not only provide practical help, but their wisdom anchors the family’s values and coping mechanisms,” notes a senior lecturer in social sciences from a leading Bangkok university. “When children face disruptions like parental divorce, it is often their maternal grandmother who provides a sense of security and continuity.”
However, the implications stretch beyond individual well-being. The National Statistical Office of Thailand recently estimated that over 2 million children are being raised primarily by grandparents due to the migration of working-age adults to urban centers (NSO Thailand). This “skip-generation” household trend intensifies the spotlight on the elder generation. The study’s findings could inform government and NGO programs aimed at supporting grandparent-headed families, emphasizing the need for resources directed towards maternal grandmothers, who may often take on greater caregiving burdens.
Culturally, the reverence for elders in Thailand manifests in proverbs and customs, and the concept of “bunkun” (gratitude and indebtedness to benefactors) is central to intergenerational respect. Still, researchers urge caution against reinforcing stereotypes or gendered caregiving roles. “Grandfathers and paternal grandparents also play vital roles,” commented a pediatrician affiliated with a major public hospital. “The family environment is most beneficial for children when all elders contribute, regardless of lineage.” Nonetheless, targeted support recognising the unique contributions of each grandparent could alleviate stress and improve outcomes for children left in their care.
Looking forward, as Thailand’s population ages and working-age adults continue to migrate, the importance of understanding and supporting grandparent caregivers will intensify. The findings suggest that, while all four grandparents may enrich a child’s life, investing especially in maternal grandmother support systems—such as health services, financial assistance, and educational resources—could yield positive returns for Thailand’s next generation.
For Thai parents and family members, experts recommend maintaining strong maternal family ties, encouraging grandparents’ involvement in daily child-rearing, and advocating for workplace policies that acknowledge and accommodate grandparent caregivers. Policymakers are encouraged to fund community programs that recognise the practical and emotional labour these family members provide.
As Thailand navigates changing family structures, both tradition and science affirm the enduring value of grandparents, especially maternal grandmothers, in nurturing resilient and thriving children.