Poll finds rising economic anxieties

Corruption the No.1 worry among Thais

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

Thais fear for the future, with rising anxieties over income and possible job losses, according to the "What Worries the World" survey conducted by global market research firm Ipsos.

The study outlines the five primary concerns among the Thai population during the first half of 2025, which are financial/political corruption (45%), poverty & social inequality (37%), unemployment (31%), inflation (24%) and crime & violence (22%), according to Pimtai Suwannasuk, Ipsos Thailand's senior client officer.

The survey sample covers 24,737 adults aged 16-74 in 30 participating countries, including 500 Thai adults aged 20-74. The study took place during April 25 to May 9.

The concerns indicate widespread economic uncertainty, reduced confidence in big-ticket items and household purchases, and "cakeism" when it comes to the economic perspective, where citizens oppose tax increases while simultaneously advocating for increased public service expenditure.

Income confidence and employment security are among the key factors to impact consumer confidence, according to Usana Chantarklum, managing director of Ipsos Ltd.