Survey Finds 85% of Thais Experience Loneliness Department of Mental Health Teams Up with Tinder to Launch Campaign Addressing the Crisis

A recent survey found that 85% of Thais experience loneliness, and 72% yearn for deeper connections. The Department of Mental Health has partnered with Match Group and Tinder to launch the "Human Connection" campaign to address this societal isolation crisis.

In the digital age where connecting through screens is effortless, the survey reveals a surprising rise in loneliness among Thais. This growing social issue urgently requires attention and solutions.

The survey reveals that 85% of Thais are currently facing loneliness.

According to the latest findings from the Human Connection project conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Match Group (data from June 2026), interesting statistics emerged from a sample of single Thais aged 18 to 45.

• 85% of Thais experience loneliness at least sometimes.
• 87% of Thais are seeking new connections and relationships.
• 72% of Thais value meaningful and deep relationships over numerous superficial ones.
• 31% of Thais feel they lack deep relationships where they can truly be heard and emotionally supported.

Kathy Peters, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs at Match Group, stated that connecting with others is key to a good quality of life, but many find building meaningful relationships challenging. The survey clearly shows a desire for spaces and opportunities to meet new people with a focus on quality rather than quantity.

Examining modern life obstacles: overworking and lack of public spaces harm Thais' well-being.

The main reasons for increased loneliness among Thais today stem from lifestyle and environment factors. The survey highlights two major obstacles:

• A strong focus on work and study: 48% of respondents prioritize work or education over social life.
• Lack of accessible public spaces: 40% feel their residential areas lack easily accessible, free public spaces for meeting and connecting with new people.

The lack of social connection affects not only mental health but also physical health. The survey shows 29% of Thais report this issue impacts their health and sleep, while 24% notice a clear decline in work performance.

A major collaboration: the 'Human Connection' campaign aims to rescue Thailand from loneliness crisis.

In response to the rising loneliness crisis, Match Group and Tinder have joined forces with the Department of Mental Health, global network The Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection (GILC), the Thai Institute for Mental Sustainability (TIMS), the STI app, and AIS to launch the "Human Connection" campaign—the first nationwide project of its kind in Thailand.

Dr. Woratom Chotipittayasunont, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Mental Health, explained that creating spaces for people to connect requires cooperation across sectors. This campaign will promote awareness, conversation, and action to strengthen social bonds across the country.

Similarly, Ms. Kantima Lerleuyutthatham, Chief Corporate Officer at AIS, emphasized that digital connectivity should not only be convenient but also foster understanding and better quality of life. AIS is committed to building a Safe Digital Society and promoting People Well-being to enable Thais to live safely and form meaningful relationships in the digital world.

Four key principles aim to engage 100 organizations in employee care.

The campaign invites organizations nationwide to pledge commitment to implementing guidelines that support employee care based on four core principles:

1. Providing spaces where everyone can spend time together.
2. Increasing opportunities for face-to-face interactions.
3. Raising understanding of loneliness and social isolation.
4. Caring for mental and emotional health.

Leading organizations like VML Thailand have already joined, preparing activities such as Passion Market and Annual Emotional Check-Ups to support employees. The campaign aims to secure commitments from 100 organizations and reach over 20,000 employees by 2027, transforming workplaces and communities into inclusive spaces where everyone feels part of a sustainable growth journey.