Thailand’s poverty rate rose to 3.4 million people, or 4.9% of the population, despite slight overall economic growth, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The increase marks a reversal from the previous year, when the poverty rate stood at 3.4%. The NESDC warned that poverty is showing signs of becoming a chronic issue, particularly in certain provinces and sectors.
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The findings were outlined in a progress report on the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023–2027). During the first two years of the plan, efforts to drive economic initiatives have not effectively reduced regional disparities. The distribution of economic opportunities across sectors has failed to significantly address poverty, especially in persistently affected areas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2023, poverty declined steadily, largely due to government relief and economic stimulus measures. However, the council noted that 4.3 million people remain classified as “near-poor”, meaning their expenses exceed the poverty line by no more than 20%, placing them at high risk of falling back into poverty.
Poverty remains deeply entrenched in provinces such as Pattani and Mae Hong Son, which have ranked among the five provinces with the highest poverty rates for more than 15 years. The majority of those living in poverty are in the agricultural sector, where the poverty rate stands at 9.6%. Most poor individuals have education levels no higher than primary school.
Households with children aged six to 14 years face a poverty rate of 8.7%, making them particularly vulnerable. High living expenses and reduced work opportunities for caregivers contribute to greater financial instability in these households.
The NESDC acknowledged that poverty reduction efforts have largely focused on short-term financial assistance. Measures include enhancing benefits under the state welfare card programme, increasing child allowances within the social security system, and advocating broader access to child-rearing subsidies. The council has also sought to improve data integration to better identify and target vulnerable groups.
In terms of social protection, benefits and coverage have been expanded for target groups, with efforts to create a more systematic welfare system through integrated data on vulnerable populations.
Despite these initiatives, the NESDC identified key challenges in tackling intergenerational poverty. These include insufficient incentives for local agencies to address poverty effectively, as performance evaluation indicators do not support strong local action. A lack of continuous longitudinal data collection also limits the precision and effectiveness of poverty alleviation policies.
The Nation reported that the council emphasised the need to strengthen structural measures and improve data-driven mechanisms to better address entrenched and intergenerational poverty under the current national development plan.
Key Takeaways
• Thailand’s poverty rate rose to 4.9%, affecting 3.4 million people despite economic growth.
• Agricultural workers and households with children aged six to 14 face the highest poverty risks.
• Structural challenges and limited local incentives hinder efforts to reduce intergenerational poverty.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 22 Feb 2026
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