Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index 2026: Thailand Highlights
The latest Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index 2026 explores public perceptions of trust across 22 professions and societal roles in 31 countries. The study finds that while some professions command consistently high levels of trust worldwide, perceptions differ across countries and regions, highlighting the role of cultural, social and institutional contexts in shaping trust.
Trust remains highest for doctors, scientists and teachers
Across 31 countries, doctors are the most trusted profession globally, followed by scientists and teachers. On average, 58% trust doctors, 57% trust scientists and 53% trust teachers.
Thailand follows this broader global pattern:
- 70% trust doctors
- 62% trust scientists
- 59% trust teachers
Thailand ranks among higher-trust countries globally
Ipsos developed the Global Trustworthiness Country Index to examine overall levels of trust across countries. The index measures the balance between trust and distrust across the professions included in the study.
Thailand records a score of +15, placing it third among the 31 countries surveyed, behind India (+20) and Malaysia (+16), and ahead of Singapore (+12) and Indonesia (+9).
The results also show a broader regional pattern, with several Asia Pacific countries appearing near the top of the index. Meanwhile, trust levels are generally lower across a number of European and Latin American markets included in the survey.
However, higher trust does not necessarily mean respondents trust all institutions or professions equally. As the findings show, trust varies significantly depending on who or what is being evaluated.
Attitudes towards technology and AI are evolving
For the first time, the study measured trust in AI chatbots alongside technology entrepreneurs. Globally, trust in AI remains limited. Just 23% say AI chatbots are trustworthy, while 40% consider them untrustworthy.
In Thailand:
- 35% trust AI chatbots
- 47% trust technology entrepreneurs
These figures are higher than the global averages, although a substantial proportion of respondents remain cautious. The findings suggest that while many Thais are open to technological innovation, trust in AI is still developing.
Media and institutions see varying levels of trust
Trust in media and institutions continues to be more nuanced than trust in expert professions.
In Thailand:
- 46% trust television news readers
- 39% trust journalists
- 50% trust judges
- 27% trust police
These findings indicate differing levels of confidence across information sources and public institutions, reflecting the complexity of trust in modern societies.
Politicians and government ministers remain among the least trusted groups
The global picture shows that politicians, social media influencers and advertising executives continue to rank among the least trusted groups across many countries.
In Thailand:
- 17% trust politicians
- 21% trust government ministers
- 24% trust social media influencers
The findings point to a continued distinction between trust grounded in professional expertise and trust associated with public visibility or influence.
