Over 56% of Thais expect to travel during the New Year holidays

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2024
Over 56% of Thais expect to travel during the New Year holidays

Nearly 60% want cash handouts as NY gift from government to stimulate the economy and tourism

A majority of respondents planned to travel during the New Year of whom over 90 per cent are opting for domestic trips, according to a nationwide Dusit Poll by Suan Dusit University.

The survey on "Thais and New Year's Gifts from the Government",  conducted both online and in the field, had 1,246 respondents from December 3-6. 

The survey highlighted key insights into public preferences during the New Year season, including travel plans, spending habits, and expectations for government gifts.

The results showed that 56.02% of respondents planned to travel during the New Year. 

Meanwhile, only 9.64% intended to spend over 20,001 baht, reflecting cautious spending in an economy yet to recover fully.

A significant finding was the public's expectations of New Year gifts from the government. The top choice, cited by 59.95%, was cash handouts to stimulate the economy and tourism. This was followed by measures to reduce utility and energy costs (58.03%) and cost-of-living reduction policies (53.17%).

These demands underscore the financial burdens people currently face, reflecting not just "holiday wishes" but deeper structural issues requiring serious government intervention.

When asked about the role of government in providing New Year gifts, 60.76% of respondents believed it was a government obligation, while 51.95% emphasised gifts should address public needs, and 48.81% stated any form of gift was acceptable as long as it benefited citizens.

Additionally, urgent issues respondents wanted the government to address before the New Year included the high cost of living (66.48%), drug problems (57.51%), and flood/drought crises (56.46%).

Pornpan Buathong, president of Suan Dusit Poll, stated that the survey results highlight how the "New Year gifts" desired by the public are not merely seasonal wishes but also reflect deep-seated structural issues in the economy and citizens' quality of life, such as the high cost of living relative to income and low economic stability.

"The government should leverage the New Year season as a crucial opportunity to implement long-term economic policies. This would ensure that cash handouts or special measures go beyond temporary fixes and contribute to sustainable foundations," said Pornpan.

Similarly, Asst Prof Anchalee Rattana, a political science lecturer at the School of Law and Politics, Suan Dusit University, emphasised that New Year gifts should address structural problems impacting daily life. She advocated policies that ensure Thais can "live with dignity, have adequate resources, and maintain self-respect".

The survey from Suan Dusit Poll reflects the public's needs and expectations of the government during the New Year period. While popular measures include cash handouts and cost-of-living reductions, the season also offers a significant opportunity for the government to establish a sustainable economic policy direction. This would improve citizens' quality of life, not just during special occasions but throughout the year.

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