The economic impacts of COVID-19 lockdown on low-income older people in Thailand

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown in Thailand on low-income older people concerning their employment, household income and food security. The study also aimed to identify which socioeconomic characteristics of low-income older Thais are at higher risk of being negatively affected and whether they can access state economic relief during the pandemic response in Thailand. Methods: Economic, health and social well-being questionnaires were completed by low-income older Thais (n = 808) holding a State Welfare Card during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regressions were utilized in the data analysis. All analyses were performed using Stata 15. Results: This study found that 62% of participants experienced a negative impact on their household income, 35% had a negative impact on employment and 20% had a negative impact on food security. However, the impact level depended upon their vulnerability before the pandemic. The study also reveals that older Thais who experienced a negative impact on household income could access monetary relief schemes from the government during the pandemic. Conclusions: This study reveals the layers of economic vulnerability among the population of low-income older Thais negatively affected by the 2020 lockdown. Despite the accessible state monetary relief, differential skills with the use of digital technology could create inequitable access to aid measures among older Thais. The findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies to track changes in the economic impacts arising from subsequent waves of COVID-19 on low-income older people.