What Worries Thailand? November 2025
Ipsos’ latest What Worries the World survey for November 2025 reveals the primary concerns of the Thai public. Structural worries are now firmly back as the top concerns, following a temporary surge in anxiety related to military conflicts observed highest in August. The data shows that while economic sentiment continues to slowly improve, fundamental issues of governance and equity remain paramount.
Top Worries: Financial/Political Corruption Dominates
For November 2025, Financial/political corruption has firmly returned to the top position and remains the number one concern for Thais, cited by 49% of respondents. This figure marks a significant +6 percentage point increase compared to last month, underscoring persistent public anxiety over governance and transparency.
Poverty & social inequality maintains its position as the second greatest worry at 36%.
The concern about Military conflict between countries, which had surged dramatically to number one in August, has continued to gradually drop, cited by 29% (-7pp vs. last month). This decrease indicates that while international tensions are still a factor, the immediate, high-level worry has subsided, allowing long-standing domestic issues to once again dominate the national discourse.
Completing the top five list:
Crime & violence has returned to the spotlight, now concerning 27% of the public. This marks a +6pp increase month-over-month, highlighting its renewed prominence and placing it above inflation.
Inflation now sits fifth on the list, worrying 25% of Thais (unchanged from last month).
State of the Country: Right Direction Sentiment Holds Steady
The general perception of the country’s trajectory remains stable toward the positive side. A majority of Thais (56%) believe the country is heading in the "Right Direction".
This figure has been held steady in November after a positive leap in the prior month. The proportion of Thais who perceive the country is moving in the "Right Direction" had increased by +10 points month-over-month in October, reaching 56%, and this percentage has been successfully maintained. Conversely, 44% believe the country is on the "Wrong Track."
State of the Economy: Improvement Trend Continues
While a majority still describes the current economic situation as "Bad," the negative sentiment is retreating, signaling a slow but steady improvement in public perception.
58% describe the current economic situation in the country as "Bad."
This figure is down 4 percentage points from last month and is a notable 10pp decrease since July, suggesting that the economic mood is gradually recovering.
Correspondingly, the proportion describing the economic situation as "Good" has risen to 42% (+4pp vs. last month).
Despite the improving outlook, caution over personal finances persists. About half (52%) of Thais still say they are less comfortable making major purchases like a home or car, while 40% report being less comfortable making other household purchases.
