Thairath Money summarized the poll "Things That Will Continue Into 2026," which surveyed the financial behaviors of Thais this year with the question "What is the financial problem of 2025?"
It also examined the trend of Thai financial behaviors for the coming year, asking "What will continue into 2026?"
From a total of 125 respondents, without targeting any specific group, surveyed between 16 - 26 December 2025, the findings are as follows:
Thirty-five percent of respondents identified the behavior of "cash flow problems" as the key financial issue of 2025.
This problem is not due to income below a threshold, but rather financial behaviors lacking liquidity that lead to overwhelming debt.
A closer look at three main behaviors causing cash flow problems:
Minimum payments: Making credit card payments of only 5-8% to preserve cash on hand results in facing massive compound interest.
Debt juggling: Using cash advance cards or digital loans to pay off other debts is a behavior that sustains ongoing debt.
Willingness to spend on short-term pleasure: Thais are cutting back on big expenses like buying a house or car but willingly spend on affordable pleasures such as branded coffee or buffets.
Cash flow problems signal financial fragility among Thais that requires solutions at both policy and personal adaptation levels before liquidity issues escalate into a major bad debt crisis.
Saving.
The choice to "save an emergency fund covering 3-6 months" was voted by respondents as the financial behavior most likely to continue next year. The economic volatility throughout 2025 taught Thais to value having emergency savings.
Regarding "wallet-separating apps," 12% voted for this option. This suggests that using account-separating functions is an additional option to help organize savings more effectively.
Investing.
"Continuous DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging)" was the most voted investment option at 18%, reflecting a trend toward value investing rather than short-term speculation among Thais.
The second most popular choice was health-related investments, such as fitness courses, voted by 13%, aligning with the growing health care trend this year.
Other investment options like cryptocurrencies and gold received 10% of votes, and collectible cards 0.5%, representing niche interests.
Regarding other financial behaviors, features like Buy Now Pay Later, popular among younger generations this year, received only 1% of votes, possibly indicating stronger belt-tightening and avoiding additional debt burdens.
These data summarize the results of a poll conducted by Thairath Money to study opinions and trends in Thai financial behavior.
Read personal finance and financial planning news with Thairath Money to help you "achieve good finances and a good life."https://www.thairath.co.th/money/personal_finance
Follow the Facebook page: Thairath Money at this link https://www.facebook.com/ThairathMoney