Around one-fifth of individuals reported missing in Thailand are now elderly people with dementia, underlining the need for better preparations as the country transitions to a super-aged society.
“It’s more difficult to locate elderly dementia-affected people than children,” noted Eaklak Loomchomkhae, head of the Mirror Foundation’s Missing Person’s Data Centre.
He said the foundation has received reports of more than 1,500 missing people annually since 2022, with at least 300 being elderly individuals suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairments. The actual numbers are likely higher, Eaklak emphasises, as many cases go unreported.
Dementia is often linked to conditions like Alzeheimer’s and stroke – health concerns that have global implications. World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 every year in a bid to raise awareness of stroke prevention and treatment, while September 21 marks World Alzheimer’s Day.
Risks of dementia
However, risks faced by Thailand’s elderly people go well beyond a day of awareness. Eaklak explains that those with dementia often cannot even recall basic information, like their own name or address, making it exceptionally difficult to reunite them with their families.
“The chance of finding a missing elderly person alive is higher in urban areas because social media helps with searches,” he said. “But in rural settings, the chance of locating them can be very low.”
Many cases end tragically, with elderly individuals found deceased usually in an area close to home. One such tragedy befell a 79-year-old man from Chon Buri’s Bo Thong district. He went missing from his home on December 11, 2021. His body was found nearby about two weeks later. It was lying hidden from view in an overgrown area next to a canal.
In another case, an 80-year-old man rode off from his home on his bicycle in Lop Buri. He was found dead two days later about 100 kilometres away.
“In most cases, families usually alert us only after they have spent days trying to locate their missing family members,” Eaklak said.
Gaps in government support
Thai authorities' response to the problem of missing persons has been lacklustre compared to that of other nations, Eaklak noted.
“Thailand has no dedicated law for missing persons, nor does it keep real-time statistics or detailed records,” he said. Furthermore, he said, no government agency has taken direct responsibility for helping families locate dementia-affected missing persons.
“Authorities seem to feel as if resources should not be spent on the elderly, who no longer contribute to the economy,” he said.
Thailand currently has about 13.4 million people above the age of 60, accounting for about 20.7% of the population. By 2033, experts predict that the elderly will make up at least 30% of the country’s total population, making it a super-aged society.
The Foundation of Thai Gerontology Research and Development Institute forecasts that by 2030, approximate 1 million Thais will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s - up from 800,000 now. This growing demographic signals a potential crisis, making the need for a robust support system and clear government action all the more urgent.
New tools for tracking
The Mirror Foundation has developed several innovative solutions to combat the problem of elderly missing persons. They include a special yellow wristband printed with a discreet heart-shaped QR code, a hotline number and unique identification code for elderly people at risk. When scanned, the QR code provides details on the wearer and instructions to help reunite them with their family.
The wristband is designed to look like a normal accessory, so the wearer does not feel stigmatised. For those who prefer not to wear a wristband, the foundation offers a QR code sticker that can be affixed inside a pocket or ironed onto clothing.
The QR code initiative was launched four years ago and has seen 3,000 people register to date, Eaklak said.
The Mirror Foundation is also working on a GPS-based tracking system that can register the location of individuals carrying a special power bank. Every time they walk past special poles, the device will log their location, making it easier to narrow down search areas in case of emergencies.
“In rural areas, the wristband alone may not be enough, as individuals may wander into remote areas. But with signal transmission technology, we can track them down, more efficiently,” he explained.
Role of biometric data
Efforts are also underway to integrate biometric data into safety plans for Thailand’s elderly people. Narttida Susri, chief of the Central Institute of Forensic Science’s Database of Missing Persons and Anonymous Bodies Division, said her agency has been campaigning for the collection of elderly people’s biometric data because it helps to identify bodies of missing individuals as well as locate those who are still alive.
“We collect photos and other unique identifying features, such as fingerprints, scars and tattoos,” she said.
This initiative has expanded via collaboration with the Thai PBS Missing Persons Centre, which has been actively encouraging communities to participate in building a biometric database.
“Initially, biometric data was collected exclusively at the institute. However, with the support of the Thai PBS Missing Person Center, this initiative has reached several communities,” Narttida said.
So far, about 100 individuals have volunteered their information or been enrolled by their family members. Their data is stored on a family-kept card, which contains biometric and personal details, including health history, caregiver contacts, and information about past instances of wandering.
Japan’s model
Thailand could do worse than look to Japan as a model for handling missing elderly cases.
Around 19,000 elderly persons with suspected or confirmed dementia went missing in Japan last year. The country has implemented extensive measures to locate them, including drones, GPS, and devices distributed by local authorities.
Though more than 500 of the missing individuals were found dead, these tools ensured a high success rate in locating the missing. For instance, a GPS initiative in Maebashi City successfully located 70% of people reported missing within an hour.
Thailand’s future as a super-aged society is quickly approaching, and without targeted resources and support systems, elderly individuals will remain vulnerable to the dangers of cognitive decline.
Eaklak said that he and his team at Mirror Foundation hope to raise awareness and inspire a more systematic approach to ensure the country’s elderly population is safe and accounted for.
