#Familytrends

Across the globe and increasingly in Thailand, a rising number of individuals—especially women—are choosing to become single parents by choice, signaling a paradigm shift in both family structures and societal attitudes. While single parenthood once commonly stemmed from unplanned circumstances, new research shows that a growing share of single parents are consciously opting for this path, empowered by advancing reproductive technologies and changing social norms. As Thai society experiences its own demographic and cultural transitions, understanding this phenomenon is crucial for policymakers, educators, and families.

A growing number of people are choosing to become solo parents, and the trend is increasingly visible in Thailand. More women are opting for parenthood through assisted reproduction and independent planning, driven by advances in reproductive tech, financial independence, and evolving social norms. As Thai society undergoes demographic and cultural shifts, understanding solo parenthood by choice is essential for policymakers, educators, and families.

Single parents by choice are individuals who deliberately decide to have and raise children on their own. The rise reflects broader access to fertility treatments, increased economic security for women, and shifting gender roles. Data from mature economies shows significant growth: in the United Kingdom, about 3.2 million families were headed by a single parent in 2023, most often led by women. In the United States, the share of children living with a single parent has risen substantially since the 1960s. While Thailand-specific numbers are limited, fertility clinics and professional networks report a noticeable uptick among urban professionals and women in their 30s and 40s.