Thailand has made significant progress in reducing poverty, halving its multidimensional poverty rate since 2015. However, a new Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) report highlights that 6.13 million people still live in multidimensional poverty, and 1.35 million face both financial hardship and poor living conditions. Alarmingly, around 24 million Thais, that is, 34.7% of the population, are at risk of falling into multidimensional poverty. Challenges vary across regions, with pension insecurity, poor waste disposal, and limited asset ownership most prevalent in the Northeast and Central areas. Financial insecurity is the top cause of poverty, particularly in Bangkok, driven by informal employment, lack of pension coverage, and rising household debt. The report urges tailored, region-specific policies to address complex, interconnected poverty factors and prevent more citizens from slipping into deeper vulnerability.
LORD, we pray for the 24 million people in Thailand at risk of falling into deeper poverty, especially those struggling with both financial hardship and poor living conditions. Father, help them to break free from the cycle of debt and economic insecurity. LORD, provide them with opportunities to improve their lives and livelihoods (The Holy Bible, Psalm 34:6).
Pray for divine wisdom for the authorities to implement effective, region-specific policies that lead to lasting change in the lives of the people suffering financial insecurity in Thailand (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 3:5-6).
News Source: The Nation
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