Thailand’s middle class is currently emerging, and it is forecasted that around 13 percent of the households will earn at least 525 thousand Thai Baht by 2020. And yet, Thailand is seen as a country with huge income inequality. By 2020 the number of millionaires (in U.S. dollars) will reach 81 thousand .

The development of income inequality in Thailand

The differences in income seen in Thailand today are the result of a long-term political and economic process from which, until recently, only leading households in urban areas benefited from. However, in doing so, the government was highly successful in continuously fueling economic growth. Even though the banking- and export sectors developed and grew from the 1960s up to the early 1990s, the majority of the population was still working in agriculture. In 1997, however, Thailand was badly hit by the Asian crisis, resulting in a further rise of the poverty rate. Political leaders were thus forced to implement reforms supporting the low-income households, and a series of social reforms such as the introduction of a healthcare plan and affordable housing followed. While these reforms sometimes resulted in an improvement of living standards, most had the unfortunate consequence of increasing corruption in the public sector.

In 2020, the estimated size of the middle class population in the six selected Southeast Asian countries Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam amounted to around 200 million. That year, approximately 80 million people of Indonesia's total population were part of the middle class.

Thailand TH: Imports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Imports: Sub-Saharan Africa data was reported at 0.758 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.841 % for 2015. Thailand TH: Imports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Imports: Sub-Saharan Africa data is updated yearly, averaging 0.874 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.458 % in 1986 and a record low of 0.046 % in 1960. Thailand TH: Imports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Imports: Sub-Saharan Africa data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.World Bank.WDI: Imports. Merchandise imports from low- and middle-income economies in Sub-Saharan Africa are the sum of merchandise imports by the reporting economy from low- and middle-income economies in the Sub-Saharan Africa region according to the World Bank classification of economies. Data are expressed as a percentage of total merchandise imports by the economy. Data are computed only if at least half of the economies in the partner country group had non-missing data.; ; World Bank staff estimates based data from International Monetary Fund's Direction of Trade database.; Weighted average;

In 2023, the average monthly income per household in Thailand amounted to over 29,000 Thai baht, which was an increase compared to the previous year. The figures show a gradual increase in monthly income throughout the years, with some slight fluctuations.

Thailand TH: Income Share Held by Highest 20% data was reported at 43.800 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 44.500 % for 2014. Thailand TH: Income Share Held by Highest 20% data is updated yearly, averaging 48.500 % from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2015, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 54.400 % in 1992 and a record low of 43.800 % in 2015. Thailand TH: Income Share Held by Highest 20% data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.World Bank.WDI: Poverty. Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles. Percentage shares by quintile may not sum to 100 because of rounding.; ; World Bank, Development Research Group. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. Data for high-income economies are from the Luxembourg Income Study database. For more information and methodology, please see PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/index.htm).; ; The World Bank’s internationally comparable poverty monitoring database now draws on income or detailed consumption data from more than one thousand six hundred household surveys across 164 countries in six regions and 25 other high income countries (industrialized economies). While income distribution data are published for all countries with data available, poverty data are published for low- and middle-income countries and countries eligible to receive loans from the World Bank (such as Chile) and recently graduated countries (such as Estonia) only. See PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/WhatIsNew.aspx) for definitions of geographical regions and industrialized countries.

Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: South Asia data was reported at 3.599 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.582 % for 2015. Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: South Asia data is updated yearly, averaging 2.163 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12.997 % in 1965 and a record low of 0.994 % in 1974. Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: South Asia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.World Bank: Exports. Merchandise exports to low- and middle-income economies in South Asia are the sum of merchandise exports from the reporting economy to low- and middle-income economies in the South Asia region according to World Bank classification of economies. Data are as a percentage of total merchandise exports by the economy. Data are computed only if at least half of the economies in the partner country group had non-missing data.; ; World Bank staff estimates based data from International Monetary Fund's Direction of Trade database.; Weighted average;

Transcripts of interviews and focus groups with researchers and community members on experiences of and views about data sharing. As the data sharing movement gains momentum, we wanted to understand attitudes and experiences of relevant stakeholders about what constitutes good data sharing practice. We conducted fifteen interviews and three focus groups discussions involving 25 participants and found that they generally saw data sharing as something positive. Data sharing was viewed as a means to contribute to scientific progress and lead to better quality analysis, better use of resources, greater accountability, and more outputs. However, there were also important reservations including potential harms to research participants, their communities, and the researchers themselves. Given these concerns, several areas for discussion were identified: data standardization, appropriate consent models, and governance.

It is increasingly recognized that effective and appropriate data sharing requires the development of models of good data sharing practice capable of taking seriously both the potential benefits to be gained and the importance of ensuring that the rights and interests of participants are respected and that risk of harms is minimized. Calls for the greater sharing of individual level data from biomedical and public health research are receiving support among researchers and research funders. Despite its potential importance, data sharing presents important ethical, social, and institutional challenges in low income settings. This data set comprises qualitative research conducted in India, Kenya, Thailand, South Africa and Vietnam, exploring the experiences of key research stakeholders and their views about what constitutes good data sharing practice.

Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: Europe & Central Asia data was reported at 0.928 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.929 % for 2015. Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: Europe & Central Asia data is updated yearly, averaging 0.310 % from Dec 1963 to 2016, with 54 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.438 % in 2008 and a record low of 0.020 % in 1965. Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: Europe & Central Asia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.World Bank: Exports. Merchandise exports to low- and middle-income economies in Europe and Central Asia are the sum of merchandise exports from the reporting economy to low- and middle-income economies in the Europe and Central Asia region according to World Bank classification of economies. Data are as a percentage of total merchandise exports by the economy. Data are computed only if at least half of the economies in the partner country group had non-missing data.; ; World Bank staff estimates based data from International Monetary Fund's Direction of Trade database.; Weighted average;

In 2021, there were 35 percent of social shoppers in Thailand who were from middle-income households. Social shopping or social commerce is a form of e-commerce that describes buying and selling items through social media platforms. Social commerce practices have become immensely popular in Thailand in recent years.

Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: Outside Region data was reported at 11.033 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 11.298 % for 2015. Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: Outside Region data is updated yearly, averaging 7.793 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.111 % in 1965 and a record low of 2.654 % in 1973. Thailand TH: Exports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Exports: Outside Region data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.World Bank: Exports. Merchandise exports to low- and middle-income economies outside region are the sum of merchandise exports from the reporting economy to other low- and middle-income economies in other World Bank regions according to the World Bank classification of economies. Data are expressed as a percentage of total merchandise exports by the economy. Data are computed only if at least half of the economies in the partner country group had non-missing data.; ; World Bank staff estimates based data from International Monetary Fund's Direction of Trade database.; Weighted average;

Thailand TH: Imports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Imports: Within Region data was reported at 36.999 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 35.570 % for 2015. Thailand TH: Imports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Imports: Within Region data is updated yearly, averaging 8.716 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 36.999 % in 2016 and a record low of 1.104 % in 1974. Thailand TH: Imports: Low- and Middle-Income Economies: % of Total Goods Imports: Within Region data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.World Bank.WDI: Imports. Merchandise imports from low- and middle-income economies within region are the sum of merchandise imports by the reporting economy from other low- and middle-income economies in the same World Bank region according to the World Bank classification of economies. Data are as a percentage of total merchandise imports by the economy. Data are computed only if at least half of the economies in the partner country group had non-missing data. No figures are shown for high-income economies, because they are a separate category in the World Bank classification of economies.; ; World Bank staff estimates based data from International Monetary Fund's Direction of Trade database.; Weighted average;

The Thai retail market recorded a CAGR of 3.2% over the past five years despite economy slowdown and political instability. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% in 2015-2020 driven by increasing consumer spending, rising tourism, and a growing middle-income population. In addition, the Thai government has included boosting consumer spending among its main economic policies will support the growth retail market in the country. On the other hand, growing internet and smartphone penetration coupled with high interests among the youngsters to shop online is expected to fuel the retail sales through online channel. Rising international tourist arrivals will ensure a good platform for duty free operators. To capitalize on this opportunity duty free retailers are opening downtown duty free stores across popular tourist destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket. Read More

Thailand Textile Market size was valued at USD 8556.03 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11836.22 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.14 % from 2024 to 2031.

Rising Disposable Income: As the Thai economy grows, disposable incomes are increasing, leading to a rise in consumer spending on apparel and textiles. This fuels demand for domestically produced textiles.

Expanding Middle Class: The expanding Thai middle class is a significant consumer segment with a growing appetite for quality fashion and home textiles.

Government Initiatives: The Thai government supports the textile industry through various initiatives, such as promoting vocational training and offering tax benefits. This fosters domestic production capabilities.

Thailand TH: Income Share Held by Lowest 10% data was reported at 3.200 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.000 % for 2014. Thailand TH: Income Share Held by Lowest 10% data is updated yearly, averaging 2.700 % from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2015, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.200 % in 2015 and a record low of 2.200 % in 1992. Thailand TH: Income Share Held by Lowest 10% data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.World Bank.WDI: Poverty. Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles.; ; World Bank, Development Research Group. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. Data for high-income economies are from the Luxembourg Income Study database. For more information and methodology, please see PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/index.htm).; ; The World Bank’s internationally comparable poverty monitoring database now draws on income or detailed consumption data from more than one thousand six hundred household surveys across 164 countries in six regions and 25 other high income countries (industrialized economies). While income distribution data are published for all countries with data available, poverty data are published for low- and middle-income countries and countries eligible to receive loans from the World Bank (such as Chile) and recently graduated countries (such as Estonia) only. See PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/WhatIsNew.aspx) for definitions of geographical regions and industrialized countries.

The Thai paper packaging market, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 8.42%, presents significant growth opportunities. Driven by increasing demand from the food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care sectors, the market is projected to experience substantial expansion over the forecast period (2025-2033). The rising consumer preference for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions further fuels this growth. Key players like C&H Paperbox, ASA Group, and Siam Toppan Packaging are leveraging technological advancements and strategic partnerships to enhance their market position. While challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and increasing competition exist, the overall market outlook remains positive. The strong economic growth in Thailand and the rising middle class contribute to increased consumption, boosting demand for packaged goods and consequently driving the need for paper packaging. Segmentation within the market is diversified, with the food and beverage sector likely holding the largest share due to its extensive use of paper-based packaging for various products. Future growth will likely be influenced by government initiatives promoting sustainable practices and increasing investments in advanced packaging technologies within the country. The market's regional distribution mirrors Thailand's overall economic landscape, with major cities and economically active regions experiencing higher demand. The competitive landscape in the Thai paper packaging market is characterized by both established domestic players and international companies. The presence of large corporations such as Oji Holdings and SCG Packaging underscores the industry's maturity and attracts foreign investment. However, smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also play a vital role, often specializing in niche segments or regional markets. Strategies employed by companies include vertical integration, product diversification, and strategic acquisitions to gain a competitive edge. The industry is witnessing a gradual shift toward innovation, focusing on developing lightweight, functional, and environmentally friendly packaging solutions to meet evolving consumer demands and regulatory requirements. This trend presents opportunities for companies investing in research and development and adopting sustainable manufacturing practices. The forecast period suggests continued positive growth, fueled by these industry trends and the increasing demand within Thailand's expanding consumer markets. Recent developments include: May 2022: J.K. Packaging Group Co. Ltd adopted a complete modern corrugated box production process with production control in every step. From designing the box structure according to the customer's product and design printing (graphics) as well as producing boxes with FLEXO printers, die-cut machines, slot machines, glue patching machines, and other machines used in the modern corrugated box production process., February 2022: Tetra Pak and NCP launched HOTTA Brand Products in UHT Carton Packages. The new HOTTA drinks would be offered in Tetra Pak's Tetra Prisma Aseptic 250 Edge DreamCap 26, the first launch of an RTD ginger beverage in paper-based aseptic carton packages in Thailand.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Packaging Capacity due to Rising E-commerce, Shift of Major Production to Thailand in lieu of US-China Trade War; Government Initiatives on Promoting Sustainable Packaging environment; Growing adoption of light weighing materials and scope for printing innovations across end user segments. Potential restraints include: , High Initial Investments With Operating Cost. Notable trends are: Increasing Packaging Capacity Due to Rising E-commerce Drives the Market Growth.

In 2023, the cattle stock in Thailand amounted to approximately 9.65 million heads. The number of cattle in the country has been increasing since 2015. Rising demand for dairy cow stock and cattle in Thailand A vital component of the country’s food security is livestock, particularly pigs and poultry. However, in recent times, there has been a consistent increase in demand for dairy cow stock in Thailand due to the growing middle class and the increasing impact of Western cuisine on Thai urban milk product consumption. Additionally, Thailand's goat stock has increased dramatically in the last few years, although the country's pig stock has been volatile, and its broiler stock has only slightly increased. Beef consumption in Thailand Thailand is widely recognized for its distinctive cuisine, which has been refined over centuries, and is widely recognized as one of the primary attractions for tourists. In Thai cooking, beef is a common ingredient, especially in well-known dishes like panang nue, guay teow ruea, and pad krapow nue. Thus, beef is a prominent protein in Thai consumers minds. However, not everyone in Thailand consumes beef. Some Thai-Chinese people avoid eating beef because they worship Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, and revere cows as sacred animals, like in Hinduism.

In line with Article 11 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the Philippines has implemented graphic health warnings on cigarette packs. To date, there has been no published literature evaluating the perceived effectiveness of GHWs in the Philippines. This study aims to contribute to the evidence on the perceived effects of graphic health warnings (GHWs) in cigarette packaging and the potential impact of plain packaging in the Philippines. The study involved an online convenience survey and a nationwide household survey. Mock-up sets of cigarette packs based on the Philippines’ law on GHWs, and Thailand’s and Singapore’s plain packaging were shown to respondents to rate their attractiveness, quality, taste, cost, social appeal, appeal to youth, noticeability, appeal to non-smokers, attempt to quit, ease of quitting, discouraging smoking, and perceived harm to health on a five-point Lickert scale. The online and household surveys recruited 2,701 respondents in total. Online and household survey respondents considered plain packaging with larger graphic health warnings and visible quitlines from Thailand and Singapore to be more effective in discouraging them from smoking. Both sets of survey respondents also found mock-ups from Thailand and Singapore more motivating for them to attempt quitting than cigarette pack mock-ups from the Philippines. The study concludes that current graphic health warnings in the Philippines are ineffective in instilling health consciousness among Filipinos. Policymakers should consider larger graphic health warnings and plain packaging of cigarettes to motivate smokers to quit and discourage Filipinos from smoking.

Abstract

The Global Investment Competitiveness 2019 Survey was conducted June–November 2019 through 30-minute phone interviews in the primary business language(s) of the host economies. The survey captures the experiences and perceptions of MNE affiliates on global megatrends and investment climate factors in 10 middle-income countries (MICs): Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. The survey was administered to senior executives of foreign-owned firms. Information was collected on the companies’ general characteristics, the importance and effect of global megatrends on business operations, contribution to the host economy, and the importance of investment policy factors and operational obstacles they face. The survey was designed to generate results that are representative at the country level and comparable across countries.

More information: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/competitiveness/publication/global-investment-competitiveness-report-2019-2020

Geographic coverage

Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Analysis unit

Firm, affiliate of multinational company

Universe

Firms (affiliates of multinational company) in 10 middle-income countries (MICs): Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The survey represents experiences and perceptions of a representative sample of foreign-owned firms in each of 10 MICs: Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. Each country sample comprises roughly 250 foreign-owned firms with at least five employees. In each country, roughly 125 respondent firms operate in the manufacturing sector, and roughly 125 respondent firms operate in the services sector (see tables 1 and 2 in survey report provided as related documents). The only exception is Nigeria, where because of sampling frame limitations, the sample comprises 164 respon¬dents (55 manufacturing and 109 services). Thus, across the 10 target countries, more than 2,400 responses were collected.

Sampling frames comprising partially or fully foreign-owned businesses in the 10 MICs were constructed using commercially available and proprietary sources (Dunn & Bradstreet, Orbis/Bureau van Dijk, Sample Solutions, and others). The frames were de-duplicated and cleaned, and data quality was enhanced using standard sample framing and data manipulation techniques. In some sampling frames, all affiliates were contacted to reach the target sample size. In others, only select affiliates were contacted before the target was reached.

Sampling deviation

The only exception is Nigeria, where because of sampling frame limitations, the sample comprises 164 respon¬dents (55 manufacturing and 109 services). Thus, across the 10 target countries, more than 2,400 responses were collected.

Mode of data collection

Computer Assisted Telephone Interview [cati]

Response rate

The overall response rate for the survey was 9.3 percent. This response rate is consistent with the current expected range for phone-based business surveys. The main fieldwork of the survey leveraged lessons from empirical research in survey design and administration to implement the strategies described below to ensure high response rates.

Percentage refers to proportion of total NSAID sales in all countries studied. HMIC (high-/high middle-income countries): Australia, China, China (Hong Kong), Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, UK/England, Canada; LMIC (low-/low middle-income countries): Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam.aDiclofenac, etoricoxib.

In 2023, the number of Lotus's hypermarkets in Thailand amounted to 226 in total. Lotus's is one of the leading hypermarkets in Thailand, providing a range of imported products to a targeted middle- and high-income class.