NAKHON SAWAN – A 102-year-old grandmother in north central Thailand is still able to get around on her own, although she now relies on a cane for support. Her family says her long life comes from a simple routine, natural homegrown food, and a calm mindset.

She was born before World War II and still remembers running to a bomb shelter when rockets appeared in the sky. Because of that, today’s war news leaves her feeling heavy-hearted.

Mrs. Samphao Phankaew was born in January 1925, during the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), years before World War II began.

Her home is a raised wooden house on family land. Around it, several houses belonging to her children and relatives sit close by, about five to six households in the same area. As a result, the family stays connected and helps each other every day.

102-Year-Old Woman in Thailand

Still walking, just with a little help

Mrs. Samphao has seven children (two sons and five daughters). Six are still living, and they take turns looking after her. That steady support has helped her stay comfortable and safe at home.

Even at more than a century old, she can still walk and manage parts of her daily life. However, a slip-and-fall inside the house a few months ago made her depend on a cane.

Food is kept simple. Her children bring meals and set them at a small wooden shelter in front of the house. Most days it’s regular home-style dishes, not expensive supplements or special health menus. In other words, her routine has never been complicated.

When asked about her longevity, Mrs. Samphao points to the life she lived for decades.

She worked as a farmer, growing rice and vegetables and raising animals for sale and for family meals. Because she ate what the family produced, she often had fresh food straight from the land.

102-Year-Old Woman in Thailand

Farming and dependence on nature

Back then, farmers in the area used little to no chemical inputs compared with today. So, she believes that eating clean, natural farm food helped her stay strong. Besides that, she describes herself as cheerful, relaxed, and someone who keeps life simple.

Mrs. Samphao also recalls the fear during World War II, when the conflict reached Nakhon Sawan. Villagers stayed alert, watching the sky for danger. When they saw rockets coming from far away, they ran to a shelter pit about 1 kilometer from home.

Those moments were frightening. Still, she says the tension in today’s global conflicts feels just as painful to watch. She follows the news and doesn’t want the world to face another major war like the one she survived.

Today, Mrs. Samphao continues to live among her children and relatives, surrounded by daily care. She remains one of the community’s oldest residents, and her story reflects a generation shaped by farming, family ties, and dependence on nature.

102-Year-Old Woman in Thailand

Centenarians in Thailand

Thailand is becoming a standout in Southeast Asia for longer lifespans, and the numbers back it up. The country now has a fast-growing group of centenarians, people who are 100 or older. Reports from 2025 say Thailand has more than 45,000 centenarians, which puts it in the top five worldwide for this age group.

That total is a big jump from past estimates. For example, figures from 2015 placed the number closer to 29,000, and counts were even lower in earlier decades.

Several trends help explain the rise. Thailand’s life expectancy has climbed over time and now sits around 86 to 100 years in recent years. Better healthcare plays a major role, along with improved nutrition and wider access to medical services. At the same time, more people understand the basics of healthy aging and put them into practice.

Daily habits matter too. Many older Thais stay active through routine movement, and in rural areas, agricultural work often keeps people on their feet. Traditional eating patterns also help, with meals that lean on fruits, vegetables, and rice.

On top of that, family ties and community support often stay strong, and cultural respect for elders can reduce isolation. As a result, many older adults keep social connections that support mental health and a long life.

Still, the picture is not perfect. Even as the number of centenarians grows, some age verification studies have raised concerns about official records. In some cases, older registration systems and missing paperwork make it hard to confirm exact ages.

Meanwhile, Thailand is moving deeper into an aging society, and projections show the older population rising quickly. Because of this shift, the conversation is changing from living longer to living better. Programs centered on healthy aging focus on mobility, independence, and well-being, and some people even point to Thailand as a possible Blue Zone-like area for longevity.

In short, Thailand’s growing centenarian population reflects gains in public health and strong social values. However, keeping this progress going will take work, especially as family structures change and financial support for older adults becomes a bigger concern.