| Â | | Â |  | Â | Decentralization
Thailand has been modestly enhancing the role of subnational entities for some time, but decentralization has been a priority only since the Seventh National Economic and Social Development Plan (1991-96). The plan emphasized developing local infrastructure, providing credit to expand and improve local services, and helping local authorities mobilize capital and pursue development projects.
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|  | | Â | | Â |  | Â | Education
Key priorities for Thailand are to overhaul the education structure; streamline administrative system; upgrade quality of teachers and reform teaching and learning processes; improve quality and establish quality assurance systems; and enhance technology for education and mobilize resources for education.
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| | | Â | | Â |  | Â | Energy and Mining
With a GDP growth forecast of 5 percent per year, energy demand would double every 10 years, making it increasingly difficult for Thailand to secure adequate energy to fuel its economy. Thailand's energy sector needs to focus on high energy intensity and rising consumption levels, paucity of domestic energy resources and concerns about energy security, and slow implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy programs.
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| | | | Â | | Â |  | Â | Environment
Thailand’s economic growth over the last three decades has been fueled and accompanied by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and by intensified agricultural and fishing. This growth, which has relied extensively on the country’s abundant and diverse natural resources, has degraded land and water quality, caused the loss of natural habitats, and generated increasing levels of air and water pollution.
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| | | | Â | | Â |  | Â | Health Nutrition & Population
For the past decades, overall physical health status of Thai people has maintained a promising trend. During 1964-1996, in fact, Thai people’s life expectancy at birth had increased from 55.9 to 69.9 years in male and 62.0 to 74.9 years in female. In 2020, life expectancy of Thai citizens will reach 72.2 in male while 76.5 years old in female.
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|  | | Â | | Â |  | Â | HIV/AIDS
Thailand has been launching numerous local pilot projects against HIV/AIDS, including 100 percent condom programs and treatment or home-care programs, before applying them nationally. The Bank and partner organizations are supporting several analytical and advisory activities against the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country.Â
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| | | | Â | | Â |  | Â | Labor & Social Protection
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| | | Â | | Â |  | Â | Social Development
Poverty has been studied extensively in Thailand. It is not a new problem, but it is reemerging in prominence and therefore the subject of both public and private concern. Civil society groups have been working hard to put the plight of the poor at the forefront of the national agenda.
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| | | Â | | Â |  | Â | Transport
Thailand’s transport issues have become more pronounced with rising energy costs. With an increased focus on intra-regional trade, the Government is looking at a range of projects to enhance the efficiency, productive use, and management of the road network.
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| | | Â | | Â |  | Â | Youth
The World Bank in Thailand is supporting a variety of youth development initiatives.
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