Abstract:
The purpose of this study aims to (1) to study a business environment of an elderly in Chiang
Rai province at present (2) to study supporting factors for senior citizen healthcare businesses in
Chiang Rai province (3) to support and provide guidelines to entrepreneurs who are interested in
operating healthcare businesses in Chiang Rai province. The research used the samples of 115 literate
elderly at the age of 50 years and over in Chiang Rai. The research conceptual framework includes the
following four criteria context Chiang Rai condition, demand condition, Firm strategy, structure and
rivalry, and the government. Questionnaires are used to collect data and statistics is applied for data
analysis including frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation.
From the research, it was found that there were many factors that support the senior citizen
healthcare businesses in Chiang Rai because of the environmental, social life style, and culture
contexts. The demand of needs will outgrow because there is a wide range of elderly citizens in the
future according to Thai population structure. Government has a plan for supporting an elderly citizen
industry. There is a retirement financial support for people who are over 60 years old. The insurance
organizations will invest their money on giving a better life for senior citizens in return. Merchandises
and services will be provided to suit the need of the elderly consumers for todays life style.