Throughout 2025, "money matters" were not just personal problems but reflected the shared experience of many Thais, as living costs rose faster than incomes, household debt remained high, and economic uncertainty became more immediate.
In this context, surviving financially is no longer an option but an unavoidable challenge for society as a whole.
At the start of the year, many families hoped that enduring a little longer and earning a bit more would resolve their issues. However, time revealed that expenses do not wait for readiness, interest rates do not ease due to economic hardship, and financial burdens do not lessen without serious management.
This is clearly shown in the 2025 Household Debt Survey by the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, which found that household debt continues to rise, averaging 740,596 baht per household—up more than 22% from the previous year—the highest level in four years. Most Thai households earn between 50,001 and 100,000 baht per month.
Although over 59.3% of households can meet their debt payments on time, nearly 40% are vulnerable, able to pay for no more than six months or at risk of defaulting altogether. In the past year, 74.4% of households missed debt payments, mainly due to reduced income, unfavorable economic conditions, unemployment, and increased debt burdens.
Under this pressure, many choose to avoid facing money issues—avoiding checking debts, calculating actual expenses, and admitting some lifestyles exceed their means. Accepting financial realities does not feel good immediately but often leads to guilt, anxiety, and a constant sense of falling behind others.
A key trap holding many Thais back is living according to societal expectations rather than actual readiness. Maintaining appearances, paying in installments to preserve a normal image, and spending to avoid feeling excluded may ease short-term feelings but quietly increase long-term financial costs.
This year confirms that financial problems stem not only from low income but also from tight expense structures, long-accumulated debt, and the lack of space for ordinary people to truly stabilize. Emergency funds are not a luxury but a necessity in an economy where risks can arise anytime.
Meanwhile, financial credit acts as a thin shield supporting life when choices are limited. Looking back, a clear lesson emerges: if given a chance to go back to early 2025, many Thais would choose to manage money differently by focusing on five key points.
1. Dare to face the true numbers of your life.
Many don't fail due to low income but because they never dare to see their real financial figures—the accumulated debts, small expenses adding up, or interest quietly consuming their future. This year taught us that not knowing one’s financial status is a risk, and accepting reality is the true start of fixing it.
2. Distinguish between "necessities" and "lifestyle."
In a year when living costs rise faster than incomes, many remain trapped spending to maintain their previous quality of life despite changed circumstances. The lesson is that a lifestyle sustained by debt may seem normal today but is more fragile than expected tomorrow.
3. Stop paying installments just to maintain appearances.
Paying for everything to keep life smooth may unknowingly increase financial burdens. This year showed many that stepping back from image concerns may be the only way to sustain life in the long term.
4. Prioritize emergency savings.
Beyond unrealized dreams, unexpected events in 2025 made "emergency money" no longer distant. It is not a pessimistic fund but a cushion for those wanting to keep options when income falters or life abruptly changes.
5. Start from the smallest step but start for real.
Many wait for higher income, less debt, or better conditions, but this year proved readiness may never come. The most important is to start from the smallest point—even just stopping new debt or beginning to track expenses can change your financial direction.
Although many feel they did not progress, save more, or escape debt this year, the fact that many still manage to sustain life, support their families, and prevent financial problems from ruining everything is not failure but a testament to tremendous endurance.
As a tough year ends, starting fresh financially next year need not be grand or immediate total change but can begin with honest self-assessment, reducing pressure from comparisons, and valuing stability over appearances. In a world where uncertainty is normal, living "resiliently" may be the most valuable financial goal.
For personal finance news and planning, visit Thairath Money to help you "achieve better finances, better life."https://www.thairath.co.th/money/personal_finance
Follow the Facebook page: Thairath Money at this linkhttps:// www.facebook.com/ThairathMoney