Poll Shows Spending Time with Family, Loved Ones, and Friends Brings the Most Happiness During New Year

"North Bangkok Poll" released survey results indicating that spending time with "family, loved ones, and friends" brings the greatest happiness during this New Year period.

Associate Professor Dr. Sanit Siriwisitkul, head of the North Bangkok Poll at North Bangkok University, revealed that a public opinion survey was conducted from 14-28 December 2025, sampling 1,020 people nationwide from all regions, focusing on the topic "New Perspectives, New Beginnings, New Year 2026: Hopes and Concerns of Thai People."

What brings the most happiness during this New Year?

• Spending time with family, loved ones, or friends: 83.60%
• Good physical and mental health: 61.20%
• Having a long rest or traveling: 55.20%
• Taking a break from work or year-long stress: 49.30%
• Hope, encouragement, and motivation for the coming year: 41.80%
• Financial security at year-end: 32.80%
• Making merit, volunteering, or helping others: 26.90%
• Festive New Year atmosphere: 25.40%

What diminishes happiness during the New Year festival?

• Political situations or news causing tension: 58.20%
• Debt or financial obligations at year-end: 41.80%
• Concerns about the country's economic situation or job security next year: 40.30%
• High cost of living, such as food, transportation, or increased travel expenses: 35.80%
• Traffic congestion, crowded places, or travel difficulties returning home or traveling: 32.60%
• Heavy workload causing no rest or holidays during the festival: 28.40%
• Poor personal health or needing to care for family members with health issues: 26.20%
• Personal relationship problems, such as family conflicts, loneliness, or disagreements with partners: 24.80%
• Concerns about road accidents or safety during the New Year: 22.60%
• Feeling lonely without friends or family to celebrate with: 14.90%
• Pressure from society or family to succeed in the New Year: 10.40%

What do you intend to start or change next year?

• Take better care of health/exercise more: 79.10%
• Save money/manage finances better: 56.70%
• Reduce spending/save more: 55.20%
• Learn new skills/continue education: 53.70%
• Spend more time with family: 47.80%
• Volunteer or help the community: 28.40%
• Find a new job/change career: 22.40%
• Quit risky behaviors (smoking/gambling/heavy drinking): 14.90%

What major issues in 2026 do you think will most affect Thai society?

• Politics and social conflicts: 38.80%
• Economic conditions, inflation, income: 28.40%
• Cost of living, household debt: 10.40%
• Disasters and climate change: 9.00%
• Health problems/epidemics: 6.00%
• Energy security/oil prices: 4.40%
• Technology/AI and impact on employment: 3.00%

What areas do you most want to see Thailand develop or change in 2026?

• Economy and cost of living: 37.90%
• Politics, governance, and government transparency: 31.80%
• Education and development of Thai skills: 13.60%
• Public health and healthcare system: 8.50%
• Society, quality of life, and safety: 6.70%
• Transportation, infrastructure, and environment: 1.50%