A scoping review of death preparation practices and sociocultural determinants in Thai society

Thailand’s demographic transition toward an aged society poses health challenges as traditional family-based care systems face strain while formal healthcare planning remains limited. This scoping review systematically examined research on death preparation practices in Thailand from 2007 to 2024, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, to map key preparation domains, explore population variations, and identify facilitating and hindering factors. Twenty-two studies across diverse populations were included. Four interconnected domains emerged: healthcare, psychological, social/financial, and spiritual preparation, with spiritual and cultural orientations influencing practices across all areas. Community participation was consistently associated with more comprehensive preparation, suggesting social network integration may support individuals in end-of-life planning. Age was positively associated with engagement, while geographic differences indicated disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural populations. Despite the legal recognition of advance directives since 2007, completion rates remain low. However, participants generally expressed willingness to engage when provided with appropriate information, indicating that system-level information gaps may be more influential than cultural barriers. Structured interventions incorporating meditation and facilitated conversations improved awareness and psychological outcomes among individuals with chronic illnesses. Overall, death preparation in Thailand appears shaped by culturally grounded social processes in which community involvement functions as a key enabling factor. These findings suggest that community-based approaches leveraging existing social structures may complement individual-focused strategies and help address disparities in end-of-life care.