Increasing Number of Single Mothers and Divorce Rate at 30% in Thailand's Population Statistics for 2025
In Thailand, the landscape of families is undergoing a significant transformation, with an increase in single-parent households and a climbing divorce rate. According to recent data, one in three marriages in many areas is ending in divorce, a stark contrast to figures from a decade ago that showed one in five married couples ending in divorce[1].
The Central Registration Office announced that as of 31 December 2024, Thailand's total population stood at 65 million. However, no specific information about the current divorce rate for the entire country is provided[1]. What is known, though, is that the number of single parents, both mothers and fathers, is on the rise, mirroring a global trend[1].
The Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, defines a single mother as a woman raising her child alone, often following separation or divorce. Unfortunately, no information about the number of single fathers in Thailand is available[1].
One of the most striking indicators of this shift is the rise in the number of single mothers enrolled in the Newborn Child Support Grant scheme. In 2025, there were 128,322 single mothers registered, an increase of 7,344 from the previous year[1]. The Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development reported this increase compared to the 120,978 single mothers enrolled in 2024[1].
Several factors contribute to this rise in single-parent households and divorce rates. Changing social expectations and values are leading to marriages based more on love and emotional fulfillment, which can result in higher divorce rates when these needs are unmet[2]. Urbanization also weakens traditional family oversight and support mechanisms, offering more exposure to diverse lifestyles and greater anonymity, which can facilitate divorce and single parenting[2].
Economic and societal pressures on young couples are another significant factor. Many children are being born to unmarried young couples who may be unprepared for family life, leading to family breakdowns and single parenting. Economic challenges, along with shifting gender roles and increased financial pressures, play roles, although specific economic data on this in Thailand is less detailed in current sources[1][2].
The rise of single mothers defined by separation or divorce is another contributing factor. Ministry of Public Health definitions indicate an increasing number of women raising children alone following marital dissolution or separation[1][4]. Additionally, the decreasing prevalence of extended family mediation, especially in urban areas, is resulting in higher divorce acceptance and rates[2].
Demographically, Thailand’s population includes a substantial number of women aged 15 to 24 and young adults (26 to 35), groups often involved in these trends[5].
In conclusion, Thailand’s rise in single-parent families and divorce rates is driven by evolving social norms emphasizing personal fulfillment, urban lifestyle shifts weakening traditional family structures, economic challenges for young couples, and reduced extended family roles in marriage stability[1][2][4].
[1] Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development (2025). Retrieved from https://www.dwa.go.th [2] Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health (2025). Retrieved from https://www.moph.go.th [3] Central Registration Office (2024). Retrieved from https://www.cro.go.th [4] Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development (2024). Retrieved from https://www.dwa.go.th [5] National Statistical Office (2024). Retrieved from https://www.nso.go.th
- Given the rise in single-parent households in Thailand, the tourism industry might consider offering health-and-wellness packages tailored to single parents, promoting family-health activities, and addressing mental-health concerns related to parenting.
- As single-parent households become more common, science could play a significant role in providing resources and evidence-based support for single parents, addressing issues such as child development, mental health, and family dynamics.
- With the increasing number of single parents in Thailand, it is essential to stay informed about the mental-health effects of parenting alone and provide resources for single mothers and fathers to learn about parenting and nurture their children's emotional health.
- To better understand the changing landscape of families in Thailand, research could focus on the relationship between urbanization, cultural values, and family structure, as well as the economic implications of single-parent households, contributing to informed policy proposals and health initiatives.
