Poll Shows Cost-of-Living Crisis: Thais' Wallets Tightening, Struggling to Get By
Nearly 9 in 10 Thais report financial strain from tightening budgets to barely surviving, with most unable to sustain themselves more than six months without income, according to an IFD Poll survey.
An IFD Poll survey reveals that Thailand's cost-of-living crisis extends beyond mere financial constraints into the broader wellbeing of Thai citizens. The poll, conducted between April 28 and May 1, 2025, surveyed 1,264 Thais aged 18 and above.
Key findings show that 88.31% of respondents face financial strain ranging from "beginning to tighten our belts" to "barely able to get by." The breakdown includes 47.07% experiencing initial tightening, 32.51% struggling to make ends meet, and 8.73% unable to cope at all, while only 11.69% maintain normal financial stability.
When asked how long households could survive without income, 78.62% indicated they could manage no more than six months, with 65.09% surviving only three months or less. Facing sudden income loss, 38.59% said they would rely on themselves, while 69.02% combined would depend on family or relatives. Only 3.44% expected government assistance.
As a last resort, households would resort to selling assets (32.03%), borrowing money (26.50%), moving in with extended family (17.85%), or sending family members to seek additional income (12.89%). When combined, 89.27% would need to rely on self-help and family support.
Beyond finances, 98% fear the economic crisis will damage their physical health, mental wellbeing, family relationships, and future prospects. Additionally, 90.67% feel that despite working hard, their lives are unlikely to improve. Mental health concerns rank highest among non-financial worries at 32.91%, followed by family stress (16.57%), reduced opportunities for children (15.53%), and hopelessness about the future (14.25%).
