Thailand Is Heading in the Wrong Direction! 61% of Thais View Economy Negatively Financial and Political Corruption Remains Major National Issue

Severe flooding in Bangkok, its metropolitan area, and several other provinces may cause a net economic impact of approximately 7,000-17,000 million baht, according to preliminary estimates by the Kasikorn Research Center. This figure reflects economic activities disrupted for about 3 to 7 days. However, for those whose shops had to close, who could not commute to work, or whose business inventory, homes, or vehicles were damaged, the impact certainly extends beyond these numbers.

The effects vary depending on the financial status and coping capacity of each household and business, especially for those with high debt burdens, limited savings, or restricted access to credit, who are less able to absorb the damage compared to other groups.

A key point is that this flooding occurred at a time when Thais were already concerned about the economy. An Ipsos survey in September found that 61% view the current economy negatively, while 30% identified unemployment as one of the country's major issues, up 11 points from the previous year. These figures reflect public sentiment before factoring in flood-related damages.

The same survey also revealed that Thais are increasingly cautious about various issues, including safety, the economy, and national governance. Financial and political corruption remains the top concern, while worries about unemployment have risen. Inflation remains among the top five concerns.

• 52% are concerned about financial and political corruption.
• 34% are concerned about crime and violence.
• 34% are concerned about poverty and social inequality.
• 30% are concerned about unemployment.
• 52% believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.
• 61% view the current economy as poor.

Corruption remains the foremost concern among Thais.

It is evident that 34% of Thais consider crime and violence among the top three national problems, up 1 point from August and 16 points from last September. This proportion matches concerns about poverty and inequality at 34%, but the September survey ranked crime as the second biggest issue.

Meanwhile, 52% of Thais selected financial and political corruption as a major national problem, up 1 point from both the previous month and year, maintaining its position as the top concern for several months.

Poverty and social inequality concern 34% of Thais, reflecting issues of cost of living, economic opportunity, and financial security. Unemployment is a concern for 30%, rising 4 points from August and 11 points from the previous year.

Ipsos links these issues to pressures on households, including insufficient income, living costs, and debt burdens, citing survey data showing that average household debt in Thailand in 2026 has risen close to 795,000 baht, the highest level since tracking began 17 years ago.

Views on the country and economy.

When asked about their views on Thailand and its economy, 48% of Thais believe the country is moving in the right direction, while 52% think it is heading the wrong way. These figures have not changed since August. Meanwhile, 61% regard the current economy as poor. Although this view has improved somewhat compared to last year, the majority still holds a negative economic outlook.

Regarding personal finances, 46% expect their financial situation to improve within six months, while 19% anticipate it will worsen. Ipsos suggests that consumers may continue spending on essentials as usual but will be more cautious before making large purchases.

Source: Ipsos, Kasikorn Research Center.

Read economic news and government policies with ThairathMoney for your "Good Finances, Good Life".

https://www.thairath.co.th/money/economics/thai_economics

Follow the Facebook page: Thairath Money at this link.https://www.facebook.com/ThairathMoney