1.5 Million Thais Near Poverty

 

 

BANGKOK, Jan 21 (TNA) – COVID-19 was heavily affecting the Thai economy and 1.5 million Thai people were approaching the poverty line, said the World Bank.

 

The poverty ratio in Thailand rose to 8.8% last year, compared with 6.2% in 2019, it said.

 

The World Bank viewed that although the Thai economy passed its rock bottom in the second quarter of 2020, the new COVID-19 wave could affect tourism and workers in the country. 

 

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Far more than 1.5 million. Since very few Thai's pay income tax, it would be interesting to know what the world bank base their figures on.

I suspect the true number of those in dire financial straits, far beyond what "poverty" means is a lot more than 1.5 million.

The government has spent lots of money on military hardware, which would have been much better spent right now on its financially distressed people.

Irrespective of how these statistics were arrived at 1.5 more people in poverty, despite government interventions, is a shocking number. I imagine this sadly speaks of the utter devastation covid has brought to the tourist industry and the businesses that support that industry.

More BS. It really does get boring. 1.5 million? 15 million + is more believable. Maybe if you live on Mamma noodles you're not poor.

Got to be more than that in Phuket alone

1 hour ago, KhaoYai said:

Far more than 1.5 million. Since very few Thai's pay income tax, it would be interesting to know what the world bank base their figures on.

Probably the figures which the government give them.

 

 

The key is what do they define as poverty.

 

 

 

 

 

Before  covid there were 3mln workers below $1000 per year. 
there were another 7mln below $3300 per year. 
 

world bank classifies powerty line before $5.5 per day. 
 

in the meantime some 54 of world billionaires got richer by $120bln. Some of them over 10bln since the pandemic. 

Simple math. 15% of Thai GDP was tourism, which is almost non-existent now. 15% of 66 million Thais is about 10 million, halve that to get the ones of working age. 5 million out of work is a lot more than 1.5 million.

2 hours ago, herfiehandbag said:

Probably the figures which the government give them.

I don't think those that are either under the tax threshold or claim to be, have to complete a tax return. In which case, the Thai government will have no idea about their financial situation.

I'd wager that 75% of the population of Issan alone are in acute financial difficulty right now. Dependence on the tourism sector to keep families' heads above water was so widespread - so that's fifteen million people for a start..

50 minutes ago, internationalism said:

Before  covid there were 3mln workers below $1000 per year. 
there were another 7mln below $3300 per year. 
 

world bank classifies powerty line before $5.5 per day. 
 

in the meantime some 54 of world billionaires got richer by $120bln. Some of them over 10bln since the pandemic. 

 

quite a bit more than that actually. its sickening. 

 

 

Is that all?!

Looking at Thailand now, it is hard to imagine the poverty that existed here 100 years ago.

It will all end in tears when the lid blows off the pressure cooker as it surely will ????

How many?!! Only 1.5 million?!

 

Apparently, (according to a quick google search) there are 14 miilion people living in poverty in the U.K.?!! 

 

So thats almost 10 times more people in poverty in the U.K. than Thai people living in near poverty in Thailand.?

 

Of course though...it all depends on what is classed as "poverty".

 

I would be amazed though, if only 1.5 million people in Thailand are living in" near poverty".

 

 By the same token, Id also be amazed if 14 million in the U.K. are living in "poverty".

 

 

Under estimation I reckon, 14 million maybe.

8 hours ago, uncle_tom said:

I'd wager that 75% of the population of Issan alone are in acute financial difficulty right now. Dependence on the tourism sector to keep families' heads above water was so widespread - so that's fifteen million people for a start..

Yet trying to find someone to do work for you as a full time  job  as a caretaker /gardener with benefits is  near impossible in rural areas even with covid doing the rounds.

Many of those  poor  only want to work a  day or two then have a day or two off. This is the reality of  how  many of the poor choose to  live.

Thailand's economy is based on international tourism that generates jobs and income for all sectors

You are forgetting one group of people.  You can probably say that another group is the one that is existing on credit cards they will never pay. I still don't understand how thai's can afford to live in BKK

I think that when all is said and done there is going to be a huge financial pandemic in the world.

 

Imagine owning a few homes that you depend on to pay mortgages and such.  Once the government freezes come off a lot of banks will be looking for money.

The only saving grace here is that foreclosure takes so long.

 

10 hours ago, KhaoYai said:

I don't think those that are either under the tax threshold or claim to be, have to complete a tax return. In which case, the Thai government will have no idea about their financial situation.

Nor will the world bank 

One point five million NEAR the poverty line, and countless millions around the country way, way, below it. However, as long as the Generals, and their Government sycophants etc. have their toys, kickbacks, massive pensions, and sinecures, all will be rosy................

4 hours ago, welshguy said:

How many?!! Only 1.5 million?!

 

Apparently, (according to a quick google search) there are 14 miilion people living in poverty in the U.K.?!! 

 

So thats almost 10 times more people in poverty in the U.K. than Thai people living in near poverty in Thailand.?

 

Of course though...it all depends on what is classed as "poverty".

 

I would be amazed though, if only 1.5 million people in Thailand are living in" near poverty".

 

 By the same token, Id also be amazed if 14 million in the U.K. are living in "poverty".

 

 

The UK government definition of poverty is defined as a household income below 60% of the average. Other countries might vary.

If they want help from a government that is mainly concerned about the military and the wealthy they are going to have to do more than sit in there homes and slowly starve to death. Get out on the streets and protest. Show the world there is a serious injustice here. This government blames everyone but itself for problems in order to save its face. It fears social media and protests for the same reason.

Do nothing and you get nothing. Nobody in the military or government has missed a paycheck. 

The numbers doesn't matter, now is the time to help friends and family and others if you can. We will get passed this as it's just a matter of time. It's a shame that the vaccines are coming so slowly and the good ones aren't coming at all.

Mega more live in poverty, and they use migrant labour should no be allowed especially now with this Covid around.

I hope the whole over reacting was worth it... 

13 hours ago, ChipButty said:

Got to be more than that in Phuket alone

the official population in Phuket is just under 500000, and that’s in peak times. Even accounting for extra people to service the tourist industry (a lot of them would have left anyway) I think you’re being a little dramatic 

In a country where you can catch fish in the nearest roadside ditch, how do you define poverty?