The National Statistical Office revealed survey results showing that the public is most concerned about the "high cost of living," with 63.8% reporting income insufficient to cover expenses, urging the new government to urgently resolve livelihood issues.
On 18 March 2026 GMT+7, the National Statistical Office released results from a public opinion survey regarding the new government in 2026. "High cost of living" is the issue the public is most worried about, reflecting economic and quality of life challenges currently faced by the people. Dr. Ekpong Rermcharoen, Director of the National Statistical Office, stated, "The National Statistical Office conducted a survey on public opinion regarding the new government in 2026 between 22 and 28 January 2026." The key findings are summarized as follows:
Cost of living – Income – Debt
Main concerns of the public: 69.9% of respondents are most worried about the high cost of living, followed by income not covering expenses (63.8%), debt (43.1%), insufficient government welfare (25.4%), and low agricultural product prices (25.2%), among others.
What the public wants the new government to urgently address: 50.5% want the government to focus on solving livelihood and cost of living issues most, followed by job creation and income increase (10.8%), solving public debt problems (9.1%), welfare and quality of life care (5.8%), and combating corruption (5.1%), among others.
Calling for relief of burdens
Regarding debt issues the public wants the new government to address: 44.2% believe the government should reduce the cost of living burden and prevent new debts most, followed by lowering loan interest rates in both formal and informal sectors (44.0%), increasing income alongside debt solutions (42.2%), low-interest loans for low-income people (30.8%), and restructuring debt according to repayment ability (32.2%), among others.
Demanding government transparency
Desired government management style from the new administration: 80.9% want the new government to manage the country transparently and accountably, followed by listening to the public (59.7%), making swift decisions in line with situations (46.7%), avoiding political games and working for the people (31.0%), and timely crisis management (29.8%), among others.
Wanting honest ministers
As for ministerial qualities most desired by the public, honesty, transparency, and accountability top the list (67.7%), followed by no involvement in illegal activities (46.7%), no criminal record (42.2%), relevant knowledge and experience (39.0%), and ability to solve problems promptly (31.6%), among others. Moreover, 90.4% of respondents believe ministerial qualities are highly to extremely important for national administration (31.5% highly important and 58.9% extremely important). These findings clearly reflect public expectations for the new government's work.
Dr. Ekpong added that these survey results are part of a project called the "Quick Survey" by the National Statistical Office, which will continue to survey public opinion on the new government's administration. The public can follow monthly survey results on the National Statistical Office website www.nso.go.th and all online channels under the name NSOOFTHAILAND.