Thais more in debt since Covid hit: poll

Thais more in debt since Covid hit: poll

People visit the Terminal 21 shopping centre in Bangkok on Dec 31, 2021 to celebrate New Year's Eve during the coronavirus outbreak in Thailand. (Reuters photo)
People visit the Terminal 21 shopping centre in Bangkok on Dec 31, 2021 to celebrate New Year's Eve during the coronavirus outbreak in Thailand. (Reuters photo)

Thai people have had more problems with indebtedness and joblessness since the Covid-19 era began, forcing them to adjust their ways of life, according to the result of a survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat Univerity, or Suan Dusit Poll.

The poll was conducted online on 1,184 people throughout the country during March 9-12.

The respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer to each question.

Asked which problems have increased during the pandemic, 75.41% cited family and personal debts; 69.96% family members losing their jobs; 67.19% depressive disorder and stress; 36.02% quarrels and disagreements; and 30.30% divorces and separations.

On the positive side, 70.28% said Covid had made them more mindful  of the way they lead their lives; 66.61% had more time to spend with others; 63.28% had more time to stay at home; 51.32% had more time to rest; and 49.36% had more time for social activities.

Asked what their family members do more of in the Covid-19 era, 75.17% said they take better care of their health; 67.31% said they kept abreast of the Covid news; and 57.09% said they had learned to cope with stress.

Asked what their families have done less of since the pandemic began, 63.77% cited travelling; 62.42% eating out; and 44.51% earning money.

Asked to rank their family problems, 44.27% picked inadequate incomes and additional spending; 20.31% fear of being infected with Covid-19; 11.11% concern over job security; 9.20% more quarrels over various matters; and 7.64% children's education.

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