Thailand - Still a land of smiles?

Thailand disunited?

Thailand is known for being the land of smiles, but for almost a decade the country has been politically divided with animosity on both sides. Younger generations who grew up during the time of turmoil feel less of a sense of pride and show more appetite for “stronger leaders” than do older citizens.

But all generations agree on the damage income inequality has done to society – not just economically, but also socially and judicially. According to the SEA Ahead study (2021), “reducing the wealth gap between the poor and the rich” ranks among the top five areas that Thais expect their government to focus on (mentioned by 25%). Hence, the Government needs to monitor and ensure future legislations are fair and beneficial across the social and economic system.

Progressive attitude: all a façade?

76% of Thais agree that the world is “changing too fast” (Ipsos Global Trends, 2022). Although Thais are open to Western cultures and attitudes, Thai core values are strongly rooted and still exist. Gender and LGBTQ+ equality is increasingly accepted and respected especially in urban centres, though rural areas remain more conservative.

Despite the difference, 86% of Thais believe “transgender men and women should be free to live their lives as they wish”. However, while the attitude of the population is more open-minded, the existing law and protection for LGBTQ+ and women’s rights still lag behind.

Gender and LGBTQ+ equality is increasingly accepted and respected especially in urban centres, though rural areas remain more conservative

Who’s to lead us out of climate change?

While Thais across generations agree that we are heading for an environmental emergency, the question remains: where does the buck stop? Is it with the regular folks or should businesses/governments take the leading role? 

While we have seen businesses becoming more conscious about their environmental impact, the majority of Thais (83%) believe they are acting too slowly or setting the standard too low. In fact, there is greater consensus that, without government intervention, there will be no meaningful changes, as 75% of Thais say “companies’ impacts on the environment should be more closely controlled by the government”. Thailand has committed to being carbon neutral by 2050 and maybe the time has now come for stronger legislation to tackle climate change.

Usana Chantarklum

Notes

Ipsos SEA Ahead Wave 4, 16 - 24 June 2021, among 3,000 adults in Southeast Asian markets (500 per country) aged 18 years and older

Ipsos Global Trends 2021, August - September 2021, among 24,332 adults in 25 markets (1,000 from Thailand) aged 16-75 (18-75 in US and CA)

Ipsos SEA Ahead Wave 6, 12 May - 3 June 2022, among 3,000 adults in Southeast Asian markets (500 per country) aged 18 years and older