Global Infrastructure Index 2026: Flood Defences Top Infrastructure Priority in Thailand
According to the Ipsos Global Infrastructure Index 2026, a 29-country study conducted in partnership with the Global Infrastructure Investor Association (GIIA), flood protection has emerged as the clear infrastructure priority for Thailand.
While water supply and sewerage remain the world's highest infrastructure investment priority, Thailand stands out as one of only three countries where flood defences rank first, reflecting the country's continued concern over climate resilience and extreme weather.
The research also finds that although many Thais recognise the economic and environmental benefits of infrastructure investment, they are less satisfied with the country's infrastructure than in 2024 (-11%) and believe more needs to be done to prepare for future challenges.
Flood defences are Thailand's highest infrastructure priority
Globally, citizens prioritise water supply and sewerage (42%), followed by new housing supply (37%), rail infrastructure (36%), solar energy infrastructure (36%) and pedestrian infrastructure (36%). Flood defences rank sixth globally, selected by 35% of respondents.
The top five national infrastructure priorities in Thailand are:
| Infrastructure priority | Thailand |
|---|---|
| Flood defences | 61% |
| Solar energy infrastructure | 47% |
| Water supply & sewerage | 45% |
| Digital infrastructure | 43% |
| Local road network | 39% |
Flood defences are selected by 61% of Thais, making Thailand the highest among all 29 countries surveyed and well above the global average of 35%. Only Indonesia (50%) and Brazil (55%) also rank flood protection as their top investment priority.
Infrastructure satisfaction falls in Thailand
Globally, 38% of citizens say they are satisfied with their country's infrastructure, while 30% are dissatisfied. Satisfaction has remained broadly stable since 2023, although several countries—including Thailand—have recorded declines since the previous survey. 43% say they are satisfied with national infrastructure, while 28% are dissatisfied.
Within Asia-Pacific, Singapore (74%), India (69%) and Indonesia (49%) remain among the region's most satisfied countries.
Thais believe more needs to be done
The survey reveals widespread concern that current investment is insufficient. 76% of Thais agree that the country is not doing enough to meet its infrastructure needs, compared with a global average of 57%. Thailand records the second-highest level of concern among the 29 countries surveyed, behind only South Africa (78%).
At the same time, 75% believe infrastructure investment creates jobs and boosts the economy (vs. Global: 72%). 73% say infrastructure investment can contribute to combating climate change (vs. Global: 59%) and 63% believe Thailand's infrastructure has not been sufficiently adapted for future climate change (vs. Global: 61%).
Support for investment remains strong
Despite concerns about current infrastructure, most Thais remain supportive of further investment.
Nearly three-quarters (75%) agree that maintaining and repairing existing infrastructure is just as important as building new projects, slightly above the global average of 73%.
More than half (54%) also support increasing infrastructure spending even if it results in higher taxes or costs for consumers, compared with 39% globally, placing Thailand among the more supportive countries on this issue.
Thais are open to private investment
The study also finds strong acceptance of private sector participation in infrastructure development.
84% of respondents in Thailand say they are comfortable with private sector investment if it delivers the infrastructure improvements the country needs, compared with a global average of 70%. Thailand ranks second globally on this measure.
Globally, citizens increasingly see collaboration between governments and private investors as the most effective way to deliver infrastructure that meets public needs, supports economic growth and harnesses new technology.
