The National Statistical Office of Thailand is gearing up for a historic national census scheduled to commence on April 1, 2025. This census marks the first comprehensive population survey in 15 years, focusing on socio-economic conditions and the pressing matter of Thailand's aging population.
Directed by Bucha Phongkhum, the National Statistical Office aims to address labor decline and the challenges posed by a rapidly aging society, aiming to create a robust data foundation for future policy-making. “This census is vital for understanding demographic shifts, particularly concerning the aging population and declining workforce,” stated Phongkhum.
The initiative has a budget of 400 million baht and a target to elevate the online survey response rate from a mere 14% to an ambitious 50%. To encourage participation, the office plans to distribute over 1,000 smartphones and IT gadgets as incentives for responses submitted between April 1 and April 20, 2025. “This is a significant shift in how we conduct our census, making it more accessible to the public,” Phongkhum added.
Moreover, this survey will collect data on 12 critical topics, including household membership, gender, age, education, occupation, and nationality, and for the first time, it will gather information on gender identity (LGBTQ+). This data will greatly enhance the inclusivity and accuracy of the demographic representation.
Along with the push for technology, the National Statistical Office will deploy a comprehensive strategy to combat misinformation. With an increased reliance on digital channels, the ministry of digital economy and society has established a situation room to monitor potential scams and misinformation that could mislead the public about the census process. Phongkhum commented, “We are taking proactive measures to ensure the integrity of the survey.”
In addition to the online survey options, the census will leverage the extensive network of Thailand Post, using around 40,000 postal workers to reach citizens in remote areas. This collaboration aims to ensure that participation barriers are minimized, particularly for those unable to respond online. Each postal worker will receive 15 baht for every household that completes the survey accurately, as another method to boost participation.
The preliminary results of the census analysis are expected to be published by October 2025. Data gathered will serve to inform crucial national policies regarding welfare, education, and infrastructure, tailored to reflect the actual population in different regions. “Every piece of data plays a crucial role in shaping our future,” Phongkhum said.
Meanwhile, a separate survey conducted by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office revealed a slight improvement in the financial situation of the Thai population. In February 2025, 50.99% of the 6,291 surveyed indicated an improvement in their financial burden compared to previous years, although concerns remain about widespread debt. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, emphasized the need for government support in debt reduction, particularly for public employees, farmers, and private-sector workers — who continue to carry a significant debt load.
“The survey indicates a need for government intervention to help lower interest rates for those struggling financially,” Naiyanapakorn remarked. The findings indicate that while overall debt levels have decreased from 62.52% in 2023, public sentiments still highlight dissatisfaction with existing government aid measures.
Respondents observed that 79.89% supported various government efforts to aid living costs, but 56.79% felt that the government’s financial assistance was inadequate. Naiyanapakorn added that “We must listen to the public's concerns and work toward more effective debt alleviation policies.”
In terms of where debts stem from, the majority are tied to property and vehicle purchases, accounting for 27.47% and 25.56% of debts reported, respectively. Additionally, the financial burden caused by rising living costs is a prominent concern for respondents across all segments of the economy.
With pressing economic challenges, and alongside the census data collection, Thailand faces the dual task of not only securing accurate demographic information but also addressing the financial pressures faced by its citizens. This comprehensive effort reflects a commitment to holistic national development.
In the coming months, as the government rolls out both the census and debt relief measures, officials contend that a well-informed population is key to addressing the issues at hand effectively. By integrating data analysis techniques like AI and big data analysis, the government hopes to craft policies that not only respond to current needs but also strategically plan for Thailand’s demographic future.
Ultimately, the census serves a dual purpose: it collects vital information for policy making while also engaging citizens through incentives and addressing their concerns about debt and living standards. As Thailand embarks on this significant dual initiative, the eyes of policymakers and the public alike will be closely watching the outcomes.
