A global survey by Singapore's social research company identified Thailand as the most anxious nation during the Covid-19 pandemic as of last month, but the kingdom is also optimistic about its economic recovery.
Although citizens across 23 countries are largely unsatisfied with their own governments' responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, Thailand has become the most anxious country in the world during the crisis, according to the Toluna-Blackbox Index of Global Crisis Perceptions survey, released on Wednesday.
When asked about their mood during the pandemic, 79% of Thais, 77% of Japanese and 76% of South Koreans reported anxiety, compared with 67% of Malaysians, 57% of Germans and 51% of Americans and Singaporeans.
However, the survey also found that Thais were the most optimistic about economic recovery.
Jointly conducted by Singapore's social research agency Blackbox Research and digital market researcher Toluna, the Index of Global Crisis Perceptions measured the sentiments of citizens from 23 countries, including six countries in Asean, towards their national Covid-19 crisis management efforts.
Blackbox Research and Toluna carried out an online survey of 12,592 people across 23 countries, aged 18 to 80 from April 3 to 19.
With an index score of 36, Thailand was ranked as the worst-performing Southeast Asian country by its citizens for its Covid-19 response.
The other five Asean countries in the survey included Vietnam (score 77), Malaysia (score 58), the Philippines (score 49), Indonesia and Singapore (both score 48).
David Black, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blackbox Research, said that the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed gaps in the Thai government's crisis preparedness.
"Thailand's crisis performance score and national mood are likely impacted by the country's initial pandemic response, where citizens had wanted greater clarity around measures and messaging from the government," Mr Black said. "Also, it is probably fair to say that the prevailing political climate in the country has been contentious in recent times."
"However, the country's strong investment in its public health system is paying off: Thailand has case fatality rates well under 2%, and is currently easing its lockdown restrictions," Mr Black said. "Today, the country appears to be on the path to recovery. The gradual opening up of Thailand is likely to uplift the national mood. The task at hand for Thailand is now to address the social and economic ramifications of the pandemic, and win over the confidence of its people as the world progresses through the crisis."
