Economic pessimism high in Thailand

Within Asia-Pacific, Thailand stands out for a high level of economic pessimism and financial strain, with 71% of survey respondents suggesting the economy is struggling.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

Looking ahead, 56% of Thai respondents expect conditions to worsen over the next 6-12 months, marking the most pessimistic outlook among the markets surveyed.

Gen Z in Asia-Pacific reports the greatest sense of financial strain and the most negative economic outlook, yet it also leads in terms of financial optimism for the future, according to the APAC Consumer Navigator survey conducted in the second quarter of 2025.

The survey was carried out by Dentsu using Toluna’s online research panel between May 7-17 across Australia, China, Indonesia and Thailand. Each country had a sample size of 700 respondents aged over 18.

Economic sentiment in Asia-Pacific has deteriorated, especially in Thailand, Australia and Indonesia, while optimism in China has eased, the survey found.

More people in the region across all age groups now feel the economy is declining or in a recession, with negative views rising by 15% among both Gen Z and older cohorts. Gen Z stands out, with 45% believing the economy is currently in recession.

Some 46% of Baby Boomers and Gen Z share the most pessimistic economic outlook over the next 12 months.