Abstract
Since 1974, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japanese Government has been assisting the Thai National Family Planning Program (NFPP) by sending experts, supplying equipment and goods, and training Thai personnel. From September 1980 to February 1981, I was sent by JICA to work with the Thai NFPP as a planner-coordinator.
Thailand has shown a remarkable decrease in fertility since the late 1960s. The total fertility rate dropped from 6.3 in the period 1965–1969 to 3.5 in 1978, while the crude birth rate fell from 41 per 1,000 population in 1970 to 32 in 1980. Active users of contraceptives rose from 14.4% in 1969/70 to 52.2% in 1981.
These results are mainly due to the Thai Government's efforts. Government officaials have shown great resourcefulness in employing nonphysicians for the extension of family planning services, in utilizing existing health facilities for these services, and in effective use of technological and financial assistance.
It seems probable that by 1986, Thailand will achieve its target of 1.5% population increase.
