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Publication Info: The Overpopulation Project
Date of Publication: November 28, 2019
Author(s): Patrícia Dérer
Thailand implemented a unique voluntary family planning program starting in the 1960’s, accelerating the reduction of population growth from greater than 3% to below 1% in just 20 years. The rapid spread of family planning services and information and consequential decline in fertility rates (from above 6 to below 2 TFR) was in large part due to a spirit of innovation and pragmatism within the Ministry of Public Health, coupled with the openness of Thai culture and religion. The program’s uniqueness lay in the creative, playful approach that a genial key figure, Mechai Viravaidya, and his organization developed and used. Promoting contraceptives in fun ways achieved tremendous success towards breaking taboos and clarifying misconceptions. Together with creative community development programs, family planning programs increased the wellbeing of all Thais.
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