#Demographics

A groundbreaking new study has found that adults who report avoidant attachment to their parents are significantly more likely to choose a childfree lifestyle, a trend that is increasingly visible in both Western societies and emerging in Thai urban areas. The research, which analyzes psychological factors influencing reproductive decisions, adds valuable context to ongoing discussions about declining birth rates and shifting family expectations worldwide.

As Thailand faces an alarming drop in national birth rates — the lowest in decades according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (Bangkok Post) — the findings are particularly relevant. While economic uncertainties and shifting societal roles have been widely acknowledged as drivers, the new study highlights the impact of family attachments and early-life emotional bonds on adult choices to remain childfree.

A recent study signals a link between avoidant attachment to parents and a growing preference for a childfree life. The findings suggest that early emotional bonds shape adult decisions about parenthood, adding context to declines in birth rates and evolving family norms in Thailand and beyond.

Thailand faces a significant demographic challenge, with birth rates at historic lows. Data from national planning authorities show this trend intersects with economic uncertainty and changing gender roles. The new research adds another layer, showing that family attachments in childhood may influence whether adults choose not to have children.

A groundbreaking new study is challenging longstanding demographic wisdom by asserting that humanity’s current fertility rate is now too low to guarantee survival—even if average births per woman meet the historical “replacement” level. The research, led by a Japanese scientist and published in the journal PLOS One, argues that the global average of 2.1 children per woman simply isn’t enough. Instead, it suggests that a fertility rate of 2.7 is the true mark required to ensure humanity’s long-term prospects, a conclusion that carries serious implications for countries like Thailand, where the fertility rate is well below these thresholds.

A provocative study from Shizuoka University questions whether today’s fertility level is high enough to sustain human populations over the long term. It argues that a global average of 2.1 births per woman—the traditional replacement rate—may not guarantee stability. Instead, the research suggests a higher threshold of about 2.7 births per woman could be necessary. The findings matter for Thailand, where current fertility sits well below that target.

Historically, experts worried about overpopulation as populations exploded—from under 3 billion in 1960 to over 8 billion today. Public health campaigns, contraception access, and shifting social norms reduced fertility dramatically. By 2023, the world’s average had dropped to around 2.3 births per woman. In many Asian countries, including Thailand, this rapid demographic transition was seen as a development success.

A viral confession about intergenerational pressure has sparked a broader debate in Thailand over expectations around marriage, children, and support networks. The discussion echoes a global conversation: older parents urging their children to start families, while real-world backing often falls short once grandchildren arrive. The conversation is playing out online and in households across Thailand, where traditional norms still shape life choices.

According to reports, the video highlighted a stark gap between persistent parental urging to “settle down and have a family” and the practical help—or lack thereof—some grandparents provide after grandchildren come into the world. The message resonates with many Thai and international Millennials and Gen Z adults who feel constrained by long-standing expectations without reliable community or family backing.

A recent viral video has reignited a global discussion about the generational double standards around family-building, as one woman called out baby boomer parents for pressuring their children to have kids—only to withhold meaningful support once the grandchildren arrived. The conversation, which originated from a candid social media confession, has led to broader debate in Thailand, where societal expectations around marriage, parenthood, and intergenerational care remain deeply rooted.

The woman’s video, reported by Upworthy, struck a chord with viewers by highlighting the gap between the persistent urging of older parents for their children to “settle down and have a family,” and the reality that, once grandchildren arrive, practical help—from babysitting to emotional support—can be limited or conditional. The case mirrors experiences shared by many Millennial and Gen Z adults globally, including those in Thai society, who feel squeezed by traditional expectations without adequate communal or familial backing (Upworthy).

A growing body of research is challenging the conventional wisdom that couples should wait until their careers and finances are fully secure before starting a family. According to a recent perspective published by Deseret News, parents who have children in their twenties can enjoy strong professional success, improved well-being, and meaningful family connections—with early parenthood offering a range of surprising advantages. The article, backed by studies and expert opinions, urges Thai families and policymakers to revisit their assumptions about the “right” time to start a family and consider the mounting evidence in favor of earlier parenthood.

A growing body of evidence challenges the idea that couples should wait until finances or careers are fully secure before starting a family. A recent perspective highlights that having children in your twenties can coincide with professional success, better well-being, and strong family bonds. The message invites Thai families and policymakers to examine the advantages of earlier parenthood in light of evolving research.

In Thailand, the average age of first-time parents is rising, reflecting a global trend toward delayed family formation. Many Thai youths worry about job stability and personal goals, yet new viewpoints suggest that early parenthood can be a source of happiness and resilience. This discussion matters as Thailand faces declining birth rates, an aging population, and questions about how families support each other across generations.