BANGKOK, Thailand – The rising cost of living, online scams and debt are the three leading sources of stress and anxiety among Thais, according to a nationwide Super Poll survey conducted from November 1–7, 2026. The survey of 1,147 people from different occupations found that 69.7% identified living costs and insufficient income as a major source of concern. Online fraud, cybercrime and call-centre gangs followed at 65.1%, while debt, loan repayments and debt collection were cited by 58.9%.
The findings were released on November 8 by Asst Prof Dr Noppadol Kannika, founder of Super Poll.
Other major concerns included personal safety, crime and violence, cited by 57.4% of respondents, followed by social injustice, discrimination and violations of rights at 53.2%. Health problems and illness affecting respondents or their families were cited by 41.2%, while pollution and PM2.5 air pollution accounted for 40.9%.
The survey also examined sources of happiness and emotional support. Family and good relationships ranked highest, selected by 82.9% of respondents. Personal and family health followed at 73.5%, while income and pride in one’s work were cited by 71.8%.
Having enough income to cover expenses was identified by 63.7%, while trusted friends and people to rely on were cited by 61.9%. Rest, hobbies and personal time accounted for 60.5%. Respondents gave their current stress an average score of 6.73 out of 10, anxiety 6.14 and life satisfaction 6.04.
Asked to assess their overall happiness and unhappiness, 41.3% said they experienced a mixture of both, 32.8% felt more unhappy than happy, and 25.9% said they felt happier than unhappy.
Noppadol said the findings highlighted the need for policies addressing everyday living costs, employment and income opportunities, debt management and protection against online fraud. He also called for accessible complaint channels, transparent procedures and support services that people can easily reach.
He stressed that the survey identified concerns rather than proving that respondents had personally experienced fraud, discrimination or rights violations. The findings should also be compared with future surveys using consistent questions and methods before conclusions are drawn about changing levels of public stress or happiness.
