The latest research highlights a profound shift in how modern fathers perceive their roles, both at home and at work. Emerging studies and personal testimonies reveal that increasing numbers of men are not only seeking more active involvement in their children’s lives but are also drawing a deeper sense of fulfillment from caregiving—so much so, many say they would exchange higher salaries for more time with their families. This evolving narrative carries important implications for family policies, workplace practices, and gender roles in Thailand and beyond.
Historically in Thailand and many other societies, the cultural archetype of the father has centered around the image of the breadwinner, often associated with emotional distance, workplace dedication, or rigid authority within the family unit. Popular media and advertising have long reinforced these identities, with depictions of fathers as bumbling yet lovable, sports-obsessed, or strictly careerist—rarely as nurturing caregivers. Such stereotypes stand in sharp contrast to the growing number of fathers who, spurred by economic shifts and the COVID-19 pandemic, have embraced or reluctantly been drafted into a new model of fatherhood centered on active caregiving and partnership at home (irishtimes.com).
Recent research such as the Irish “Evolving Manhood” survey, which polled 500 men, confirms that major generational changes are underway. According to findings highlighted by a communications strategist and father in Dublin, while younger men may retain some traditionalist views, an increasing majority no longer see their worth solely in terms of financial provision. Only one-third now regard the “provider” identity as central to manhood, reflecting a significant move away from old norms. “As a researcher, I’m seeing a generation that’s critiquing how much time they’re dedicating to things in their life from exercise and work to time spent with family,” notes the Dublin-based strategist.
The Covid pandemic has been a watershed. Forced to work from home and manage increased household and childcare responsibilities, fathers worldwide, including those in Thailand, discovered the challenge and rewards of caregiving firsthand. Many now push for more flexible work arrangements and robust parental leave policies. Local experts in family medicine point to similar trends in Thailand: the proportion of men seeking parental leave or adjusted work schedules at major companies has risen since 2020 (Bangkok Post).
Interviews with fathers in the Irish study reinforce research from Asia and Europe: shared responsibility is not just an ideal but an attainable reality when supported by progressive workplace policies and social attitudes. A structural engineer who worked in both Ireland and Switzerland described how both he and his wife shifted to part-time schedules when their children were young, splitting both the breadwinning and the “boring rubbish” of housework evenly. This arrangement was normalized and supported by employers, with ready access to affordable childcare—a system experts in Thailand say is highly desirable but still out of reach for many local parents (UNICEF Thailand, Childcare Gaps).
One of the study’s most poignant insights comes from a website designer who became the primary caregiver for his son, who has cerebral palsy. “It’s had such a positive impact on me as a man as I’ve been able to work from home and spend so much time with my son,” he shared. The emotional rewards of day-to-day caretaking, whether helping with physical therapy or celebrating developmental milestones, “well beyond that… I’d swap [it] for a few zeros in the monthly income any time.”
For many Thai families, these stories resonate deeply. Patriarchal traditions have long held sway in Thailand, where fathers are often expected to focus on earning rather than nurturing. But new generations—under the twin pressures of economic uncertainty and evolving social values—are increasingly challenging these boundaries. Experts in Thai education and child psychology note rising numbers of young fathers participating in playgroups, attending school events, and openly discussing parental stress. The Ministry of Labour’s evolving parental leave policies, while still conservative compared to some European norms, reflect an incremental shift toward supporting dual-career families (Ministry of Labour Thailand).
Despite these encouraging trends, cultural resistance and practical barriers remain. Academic surveys have shown that, on average, Thai women still perform 1.7 times more unpaid household and caregiving labor than men—a gap mirrored in the Irish research (UN Women Asia and the Pacific). Many workplaces in both contexts maintain implicit biases against men who request paternity leave or flexible hours, worrying such requests may be seen as a lack of commitment.
Nevertheless, the momentum for change is growing. Advocates argue that normalizing caregiving for both fathers and mothers benefits not only individual families but also society as a whole—leading to healthier children, more equal partnerships, and increased well-being. As the Dublin-based researcher observed, “Normalising working dads and fatherhood has been the unlock for me. I had a mentor and leaders who would talk about their kids, the drop-offs, school holidays and they encouraged paternity leave. Dads in the office now have more conversations about the boring stresses of being a parent and all the navigation that goes along with that.”
Historical context reveals that fatherhood in Thailand has not always been so narrowly defined. In rural communities before rapid urbanization, fathers often shared agricultural responsibilities with their wives and were more visible in day-to-day childrearing. Industrialization and modern work schedules, along with imported media stereotypes, reinforced the “weekend dad” model familiar to many urban Thais today. Still, echoes of the more collaborative tradition survive in extended families and rural households, suggesting a cultural foundation for a renewed, balanced fatherhood.
Looking forward, the implications for Thailand and the region are clear. Businesses, policymakers, and media must adapt their practices and messaging to reflect these evolving realities—offering not only rhetorical support but also concrete benefits like equitable parental leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work arrangements. Family therapists and gender equity advocates recommend that families engage in honest conversations about their expectations, and that men be actively encouraged to participate in all aspects of caregiving from an early age.
For Thai readers, the practical message is this: being an involved father is not a sign of weakness or a luxury, but a path to deeper family connection, personal fulfillment, and healthier children. If you are a working parent or expect to become one, explore your employer’s family policies, discuss your caregiving aspirations openly with your partner, and advocate for changes that will benefit not just your family, but society as a whole. For policymakers, the moment is ripe to catch up with international best practice—not just for mothers, but for fathers too.
For further reading and details, readers can refer to the original feature in The Irish Times (irishtimes.com), UNICEF Thailand’s reports on childcare access (unicef.org/thailand), UN Women research on unpaid care work (asiapacific.unwomen.org), and coverage of evolving employment norms in Thailand (bangkokpost.com).