Thailand hosts Social Development Expo 2026 to tackle structural crises

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) hosted the Social Development Expo 2026 (SDX 2026) at Impact Muang Thong Thani, aimed at co-creating a sustainable future for Thai society. The event, opened by Minister Nikorn Somklang, focused on the ministry's progress over the past 120 days in transitioning from reactive problem-solving to a more precise, person-centered assistance model.

Dr. Anekchai Ruangrattanagorn, an advisor to the Minister, identified four critical structural crises facing Thailand: the transition to a complete aging society, generational poverty and inequality, digital and AI disruption, and the climate crisis. To address these, he proposed a ‘Social Partnership’ model to replace traditional bureaucratic silos. This model involves the government acting as a strategist, the private sector driving impact investment, civil society providing grassroots insights, and academic institutions serving as research hubs.

The ministry is also implementing a data-driven approach using Big Data and the MSO-LOGBOOK electronic family pocketbook system to ensure social welfare reaches vulnerable groups accurately through improved data governance and cybersecurity.