In Thailand, poverty is increasing even as the economy shows slight growth. According to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), 3,4 million people were living below the poverty line in 2024, representing 4,9% of the population, compared to 3,4% in 2023. This worrying trend breaks with past practices where economic growth was generally accompanied by a decrease in poverty.
The report presented as part of the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027) highlights that the distribution of economic opportunities remains unequal across regions and sectors. This phenomenon has become chronic in certain provinces, notably Pattani and Mae Hong Son, where poverty rates have been among the highest for over fifteen years.
The majority of poor people live in the agricultural sector, where the poverty rate reaches 9,6%. Low levels of education are a determining factor: a large proportion of the households concerned have not gone beyond primary education.
Households with children aged 6 to 14 are also particularly vulnerable, with a poverty rate of 8,7%. The cost of living and childcare constraints limit employment opportunities for some household members, increasing the risk of financial insecurity. Furthermore, 4,3 million people are just above the poverty line and could fall back into it in the event of an economic shock.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty declined thanks to government support measures. Since then, the authorities have continued their efforts by improving social assistance, increasing family allowances, and expanding educational subsidies.
The NESDC also emphasizes improved identification of vulnerable populations through data-driven mechanisms. However, the social protection system remains fragmented, with overlaps for some beneficiaries and gaps for others, limiting the effectiveness of public policies.
The report points to several structural obstacles: lack of incentives for local authorities, insufficient longitudinal data to track household trajectories, difficulties in coordination between organizations, and legal constraints hindering information sharing.
Despite a growing awareness of the social emergency, the integration of public policies remains slow. For Thai authorities, the main challenge now lies in transforming short-term aid programs into sustainable solutions capable of reducing intergenerational poverty and regional inequalities.
