Environment is back on the rise again up to 42% and back to the number one public concern in Thailand in 2023, according to the School of Global Studies, Thammasat and Marketbuzzz Survey.

Monday 12 June 2023

     Thammasat University School of Global Studies and Marketbuzzz have been running the study every year since 2019 to understand the “Top 10 Public Concerns” among Thais.  In April 2023, among the 1,000 Thai people surveyed nationwide, environment was the Top Concern chosen by 42%. This also coincides with the 5th of June which marks the occasion of World Environment Day.

     In 2022, the top concern was rising prices but in 2023 the top concern was environment, which increased by 5% from in the previous year. This is always asked in the context of a range of major public concerns about the country, including corruption, healthcare, traffic congestion, crime and the economy, according to Marketbuzzz’s recent poll.

     The concern for the environment is heightened given the timing of the survey in April each year and has always been a top concern since before 2019 when Marketbuzzz first started to track the results. The pollution levels in Thailand follow predictable patterns, with the highest levels of pollution between November and February of each year. Air pollution has become a serious environmental and health issue in Thailand and Thais continue to be concerned by it.

     Commenting on the findings, Assistant Professor Dr. Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, Dean of School of Global Studies at Thammasat University, said “It is heartening to see that Thais are increasingly aware of the threats that global warming, climate change and pollution pose to their lives, despite the many other challenges that they face. The bottom line is that it is everyone's responsibility to protect our environment, in addition to government initiatives. As a result, it is never too late to consider how we might contribute to a more sustainable future. We will all gain from doing our part to reduce negative environmental impact”

     Assistant Professor Dr. Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, also added “Much of our work at Thammasat University School of Global Studies focuses on understanding the challenge through multiple disciplines and educating Thailand’s future leaders so that they can drive the social change needed to overcome these challenges.”

     For the last 3 years in which the survey has been run there is a common concern across most of the surveyed public around environmental protection. 71% believe environmental issues have a significant impact on their quality of life, and this has increased from 62% in 2022. Even more concerning is the study revealed over half (51%) of Thais believe it’s only going to get worse in the next five years. 

     According to Mr. Grant Bertoli, CEO of Marketbuzz, "For all of the public concerns highlighted it’s the environment that has been a major concern for Thailand over many years. There is a common concern around environmental protection and public support is essential for escalating efforts and a willingness to take some form of action to help or contribute to a better quality of life. The majority of Thais are concerned and claim it’s having an impact on their lives, yet the worry is Thais are less optimistic about improvement over the next 5 year and this has been getting worse over the past year”.

     Thailand's economic growth has caused numerous environmental issues, so it is becoming increasingly important to not only raise awareness of these issues but to take more action to reduce their negative impact.

     The survey reveals that individuals strive to make the most valuable contribution to protecting environment through sustainable actions every day. The most common environmental behaviors are 'Use more reusable bags and containers' (42%), ‘Use less electricity at home’ (40%) but also extends to ‘not supporting illicit products’ (38%). But clearly more can be done to help a more sustained effort to protect the environment.

     Mr. Grant Bertoli added "When it comes to accountability, people are seeking systemic change from a number of stakeholders including governments and businesses to promote healthy and sustainable living. Over the years the study has run, it is becoming clear that environmental concerns can underline good sustainable development frameworks. This is especially the case in Thailand where Thais expect the government to play an important role, and it’s also expected that Thai people are equally responsible and expectations for them to also change their own lifestyle to also help with the environment. It’s very clear Thais want change and are willing to be a part of it”.