Insights from Thai netizens reveal hopes that the upcoming general election will serve as a national reform. A new trend shows "mental healing" is considered more important than money amid household debt soaring to a four-year high.
RealWatch Lab, the research and data analysis division of Real Smart Public Company Limited, disclosed survey results on nationwide netizens' behaviors and opinions via social listening from 1-28 December 2025. It found that the issues Thai people value and expect most in 2026 are "the country's direction" and "quality of life."
According to RealWatch Lab's data, political party reform and elections top all expectations at 29%, especially the election scheduled for 8 February 2026. Following closely, 28% expect fair tax collection and increased welfare. Additionally, 25% desire capable leaders who take real action, reflecting high political awareness among Thai netizens.
This heated political climate is directly linked to the economic hardships people face. A report from the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce stated that in 2025, Thai household debt reached 740,596 baht per household, marking the highest level in four years and a 22% increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the National Economic and Social Development Council’s latest report on Thailand’s social conditions, released on 8 November 2025, found that in the second quarter of 2025, household debt totaled 16.31 trillion baht, equivalent to 86.8% of GDP. This overwhelming debt burden has become a major factor reducing spending power and inevitably impacting Thailand's economic growth next year.
Looking at desired personal gifts, Thais prioritize good and strong health most at 38%. Many posted that they want strong mental health, a calm mind, and positive thinking. This aligns with statistics from a study by Mahidol University and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, which found that 13.4 million Thais faced mental health issues in 2025.
Moreover, this does not include other health problems caused by climate and environmental changes, coinciding with Thailand's current demographic structure, which has fully entered an aging society since 2024. Over 20% of the population is aged 60 and above, and by 2033 this will rise to 30%. However, with declining birth rates reported by the government, most people want to maintain strong health to live quality lives.
Other popular desired gifts include new clothes and accessories at 27% and enjoying delicious meals with family at 16%.
Interestingly,"Money"is the least desired gift, ranking fifth at only 9%. This reflects that despite economic issues and a fully aged society, Thais value living a long, quality life and national structural reform more than money alone.