Dusit Poll Results: Oil Price Crisis Causes Major Hardship, Plans to Cancel Festive Activities and Avoid Returning Home for Songkran 2026

A Dusit Poll survey finds that the public is increasingly unable to cope with rising costs and more expensive goods. The oil price crisis is causing significant hardship, leading to plans to cancel festive activities and avoid returning home during Songkran 2026. People hope the government will control product prices and provide fuel cost assistance.

On 5 April 2026, Dusit Poll from Suan Dusit University surveyed public opinion nationwide on the topic "Songkran 2026 amid the energy crisis and cost of living" The sample included 1,272 people (surveyed online and in the field) between 31 March and 3 April 2026 (respondents could express more than one opinion). The summary results are as follows:

1. How do people feel about the current "high prices" situation?

• Rank 1: Expenses have increased significantly; essential goods are so expensive that people are beginning to find it unbearable, 61.32%
• Rank 2: People are starting to worry about potential shortages or delays in deliveries, 43.87%
• Rank 3: Still manageable but require more price comparison and selective purchasing, 41.27%

2. What do people think about how the current oil price crisis affects daily living expenses?

• Rank 1: Greatly affected, 46.70%
• Rank 2: Moderately affected, 37.74%
• Rank 3: Slightly affected, 11.08%
• Rank 4: Not affected, 4.48%

3. What factors influence the decision whether or not to participate in Songkran activities? Rank 1: High oil prices and fuel costs, 55.66%

• Rank 2: Overall increased expenses during Songkran, 49.53%
• Rank 3: Weather conditions (extreme heat, storms, PM2.5 dust), 42.22%
• 4. How are people

adjusting their Songkran plans? Rank 1: Canceling festive activities to save money, 51.42% Rank 2: Avoiding long-distance travel or returning to hometowns, staying at home instead, 39.62%

• Rank 3: Traveling nearby or within the province to reduce travel costs, 37.50%
• 5. Where are people
• getting money to cover expenses during the Songkran holiday?

Rank 1: Using savings, 47.41% Rank 2: Unsure where the money will come from, 22.17% Rank 3: No budget for this period, 21.93%

• Rank 4: Using credit cards, 13.92%
• Rank 5: Borrowing from relatives, acquaintances, or siblings, 9.67%
• 6. For those planning to spend during Songkran,
• the average expected expenditure is approximately 8,935.74 baht.
• 7. What government measures do people most want to reduce burdens during Songkran?

Rank 1: Strict control of consumer goods prices, 75.94% Rank 2: Fuel cost assistance for the public (e.g., half-price fuel subsidies), 69.34% Rank 3: Stimulate the local economy to increase people's incomes, 58.49%

Rank 4: Reduce taxes or subsidize fuel prices, 42.92%

• Rank 5: Help reduce travel costs (tickets, tolls), 37.26%
• Dr. Pornpan Buathong, Chairperson of Dusit Poll, stated,
• the poll results reflect that the public is beginning to struggle with living costs, needing to use their savings during Songkran, and are calling on the government to urgently address the problem.
• This situation is not just about "high prices during the festival" but is a significant test for the government in maintaining economic balance and public confidence going forward.
• Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Sorasak Munsin, Chair of the Bachelor of Laws program at the School of Law and Politics, Suan Dusit University, explained that the Dusit Poll results show people's concern about rising prices affecting expenses, especially for essential goods that have become unbearably expensive, and the severe hardship caused by the oil price crisis impacting daily costs.

Moreover, the poll also reveals that high fuel prices influence decisions about participating in Songkran activities, with most people planning to cancel celebrations to save money. If this trend continues, it could impact the national economy overall because Songkran is usually a time of robust spending. The primary source of funds for people during this holiday is their savings. The poll estimates average spending at about 8,935.74 baht, which may help stimulate the economy to some extent. Ultimately, controlling consumer goods prices and providing fuel price support are the top priorities for the public. Expectations rest on the government to implement measures that meet these needs.