BANGKOK, Thailand – The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has reported an improvement in Thailand’s poverty situation last year.
However, 2.39 million people are still classified as poor. This is a significant drop from 3.79 million in 2022, with the poverty rate decreasing from 5.43% to 3.41%. The improvement is largely attributed to the growth in the agricultural sector and the government’s welfare program, which increased access to services and benefits.
Despite this progress, the NESDC emphasized that many vulnerable groups remain at risk of slipping back into poverty. These groups face structural challenges in areas such as household conditions, employment, and education, which make it difficult to achieve long-term poverty reduction. Poverty is more concentrated outside municipal areas, with the southern region, especially the three southernmost provinces, having the highest levels of poverty.
The report also noted that poor households tend to have a higher dependency ratio. Poverty is closely linked to education, as those with lower educational attainment are more likely to experience poverty. While nearly all poor individuals have access to healthcare services, there has been a decline in the number of elderly people and people with disabilities receiving allowances. Additionally, 19.02% of poor households lack access to clean water. Many poor households also do not have access to mobile phones or the internet.
The NESDC highlighted progress in reducing multidimensional poverty, with 8.76% of the population classified as multidimensionally poor. However, poverty levels have risen in certain provinces, including Lopburi, Chonburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phitsanulok, and Mukdahan. These areas require urgent attention from the government. (NNT)
