Ipsos Equalities Index 2025: Thailand Highlights
Thailand's call for equality grows louder. The Ipsos Equalities Index 2025 reveals high concern among Thais amidst regional contrasts..
As the world grapples with a complex and evolving understanding of equality, the new Ipsos Equalities Index 2025 reveals a powerful and urgent sentiment within Thailand. The comprehensive 31-country study shows that concern over inequality is significantly more pronounced in Thailand than in many other parts of the world, and the Thai public shows strong support for further action. However, the data also uncovers unique local perceptions about which groups are most affected and highlights emerging challenges in the digital realm.
The global picture shows a slight cooling of support for equality initiatives, with 43% of people globally believing efforts need to go further, a drop of 6 points since 2023. Despite this, the call for more action still far outweighs the 21% who feel things have gone too far. For businesses, policymakers, and leaders in Thailand, understanding the specific nuances of the nation's outlook is more critical than ever.
Inequality is a top-tier concern for Thais
In a striking finding, 71% of people in Thailand view inequality as one of the most important problems facing the country. This figure dramatically surpasses the global average of 50% and places Thailand among the countries with the highest levels of concern, alongside nations like Indonesia (84%) and Brazil (71%).
This sentiment is also elevated when compared to many other APAC countries surveyed, such as South Korea (61%), Malaysia (60%), Singapore (46%), Australia (40%), and Japan (35%). This data indicates that the issue of inequality is not a background noise in Thailand but a primary concern at the forefront of public consciousness.
A strong mandate for more action
Thai citizens are not just concerned; they are demanding action. A clear majority, 57%, believe that efforts to promote equality need to go further. This is substantially higher than the global average of 43%.
Furthermore, only 13% of Thais think that these efforts have gone too far, a figure well below the global average of 21%. This indicates that the "equality fatigue" seen in some parts of the world has not taken hold in Thailand. Instead, there is a clear and strong public mandate for continued and intensified efforts to create a more equitable society. When asked who should lead this charge, 69% of Thais point to the government, slightly above the global average of 65%.
The unique perceptions of inequality in Thailand
While Thais are aligned with global trends in identifying people with physical disabilities (33%) as a group facing significant unfair treatment, the local perspective diverges in other crucial areas. Thais show heightened concern for senior citizens (28% vs. 24% globally) and people who are neurodivergent (26% vs. 20% globally).
Perhaps the most significant point of difference is in the perception of gender inequality. Globally, 25% of people believe women experience unfair treatment, making it the second-most cited issue. In Thailand, however, only 13% of respondents identify women as a group facing unequal treatment. This is one of the lowest figures in the entire 31-country study and stands in stark contrast to other APAC nations like Indonesia (28%), Australia (25%), and South Korea (20%). This unique perception suggests that the public discourse around gender equality in Thailand differs significantly from the global conversation.
The opportunity in digital accessibility
The 2025 Index introduced new questions on digital accessibility, revealing a critical area for development around the world as well as in Thailand. A solid 78% of Thais agree it is important for brands to create digital experiences that are accessible for people with disabilities.
In the APAC region, Thailand's score falls behind countries like Indonesia (92%), Malaysia (88%), and Australia (87%). Furthermore, 34% of Thais say they are familiar with the accessibility issues faced by people with disabilities online (slightly lower than the global average of 36%). For brands operating in Thailand, this presents a clear opportunity to lead, educate, and build trust by championing digital inclusion and making it part of their strategy.
The nuanced view of fairness
The report also sheds light on how Thais define a fair society. The country is almost evenly split between those who believe a fair society provides "the same opportunities" (31%) and those who believe it ensures "the same quality of life" (26%). This is a narrower gap than the global average (45% for opportunities vs. 20% for quality of life), indicating a more nuanced and multifaceted understanding of what fairness truly means among the Thai population.
The Ipsos Equalities Index 2025 paints a clear picture: the people of Thailand are not only deeply concerned about inequality but are also looking for decisive action from their leaders and institutions. The findings highlight a unique social landscape where concerns for the disabled, elderly, and neurodivergent are prominent, while perceptions of gender inequality differ from global norms. As Thailand moves forward, the challenge and opportunity lie in addressing these deeply felt concerns, particularly in the rapidly expanding digital world, to build a society that is truly equitable for all.
