Taking the Pulse of Poverty and Inequality in Thailand

Abstract

Part one of the report reviews recent trends in poverty and equity based on official estimates from the Government of Thailand, as well as World Bank international monitoring indicators. Of important consequence, recent trends in household consumption and income show a stagnation and reversal in the progress of poverty reduction in Thailand. Chapter one examines recent poverty and inequality trends in Thailand based on official estimates. Chapter two benchmarks Thailand’s poverty and equity indicators to its ASEAN peers. Chapter three explores the sources of the change in poverty. An income decomposition exercise helps answer why poverty increased but can only be performed for years in which household income data are collected (2015 and 2017). During this period, the increase in poverty is small. Finally, chapter four discusses the inequality of opportunities experienced by Thai children today.