The Silent Burden

Her Voice

The Sandwich Generation and Lives of Unending Responsibility

When I’m not weaving rattan, I farm. But when I have free time, I still support the group in marketing. Before I can even head to work, I have to take my grandchild to school first. By 3:40 p.m., it’s time to pick him up again. I have to leave my husband waiting at the farm. Once I’m home, it’s nonstop working, cooking for my grandchild and mother. This is what my daily life looks like, day in and day out. I barely get to go out to do any paid work.

Phawinee Chaino

Member of the Ban Prachaphiwat Rattan Weaving Group, Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province

What Happens Now?

The story of Pavinee reflects the quiet strength of Thailand’s sandwich generation—those who care for both the young and the old while trying to sustain themselves.

Like many older adults across the country, she continues to work not out of choice, but necessity.

In fact, economic need remains the main reason many older adults stay in the workforce. Their enduring physical capability allows them to keep contributing, even as financial pressures persist.

In northern Thailand, older adults make up the second-largest share of the nation’s working elderly population—35.5%, following the southern region at 39.9%.¹

Limited income, coupled with the responsibility

of raising grandchildren whose parents have migrated to cities for work, leaves little room for rest.

Challenges We Face

Born into poverty, Pavinee once had to leave her hometown to make a living—working in restaurants, construction sites, rice fields, and even carrying heavy rice sacks until her body gave in. Yet, the weight of family responsibility has never allowed her to stop.

The lives of Pavinee embody this challenge. As members of the sandwich generation, she shoulders multiple caregiving roles while simultaneously navigating limited access to economic and social opportunities.

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Her experiences are not isolated but rather a powerful reflection of the intersecting pressures—aging, inequality, and vulnerability—that Thailand must confront.

“ After returning home from working away, I was unemployed and noticed many villagers making products from rattan, so I started learning the craft, training with local artisans ”

“ But after some time, I realized that while we could make the products, marketing was still a big problem. So I shifted my role … ”

... from making rattan products myself to helping other members improve their designs and marketing.

She helps organize booths, connects them to training opportunities like those from Kenan, and even looks for new pattern ideas from Facebook to share with the group. Now, her enduring mission is to build a shared legacy of empowerment,

proving that when one woman rises, the entire community thrives.

What They Already Have

Local Craftsmanship

Rattan weaving reflects deep-rooted traditional knowledge and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Community Identity

The craft preserves and celebrates local culture while adapting it to modern markets.

Community Networks

She collaborates with local artisans, village leaders, and neighbors to learn and share techniques.

Agricultural Resources

Farming remains her main livelihood, utilizing local land and environmental resources sustainably.

What They Need

Reforming Care Financing

Raise the value of existing allowances (e.g., Old Age Allowance, Disability Grant) to better match real living and care costs.

Empowering Caregivers

Launch a national caregiver training program to equip family caregivers with essential skills and expand subsidized community-level.

Streamlining Care Services

Develop an online and mobile portal that consolidates all information on caregiving services and strengthen volunteer-based community care.

Which issue or policy do you think should be addressed as a priority?

Economic Vulnerability of Older Adults

Many older adults, especially those in the "sandwich generation," continue working not by choice but necessity due to insufficient income and lack of social protection.

Your vote is counted.

29%

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Caregiving Burden

Older adults often shoulder multiple responsibilities: raising grandchildren, caring for elderly family members, and managing household chores.

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29%

voted this one

Old Age Allowance and Disability Grants

Government programs provide some income support, but these often fail to match the actual costs of living and caregiving, especially for multigenerational households.

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voted this one

National Caregiver Support and Training

Policies to train family caregivers and provide community-level subsidized support are emerging but may be insufficient or underfunded.

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voted this one

Integrated Elderly Care Services

Policies that centralize information on caregiving, health services, and volunteer programs (online/mobile platforms) can reduce the burden on older adults and improve access to resources.

Your vote is counted.

43%

voted this one

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References

National Statistical Office, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. (2025). The 2024 Survey of The Older Persons in Thailand [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.nso.go.th/nsoweb/storage/survey_detail/2025/20241209145003_27188.pdf