Data reveals Thailand has successfully reduced poverty for the year 2019. Prayut Chan-o-cha the Prime Minister of Thailand is pleased with the statistics reported by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Thailand’s poverty rate has decreased to 6.24% or there are approximately 4.3 million people in poverty. In 2018, the poverty rate was at 9.85% or there were approximately 6.7 million people in poverty. It is stated that the poverty rate has decreased thanks to government help for those in poverty. Income has increased to an average of 9,847 THB per person/month. Nonthaburi Province and Pathum Thani Province win for the lowest poverty rate set at 0.24%.
The government help includes several projects including the Government Welfare Registration program and the program to help strengthen local economies. 2019 data show that the Thai people have an average earning of 9,847 THB per person/month compared to 2017 when the average earning was at 9,614 THB per person/month. This is an increase of 2.42% in the average earnings of the Thai people. The average earning for a person in poverty is now at 3,016 THB per person/month compared to 2,823 THB per person/month. This is an increase of 6.81% in the average earnings of those in poverty.
With a decrease to 6.24% in Thailand’s poverty rate for the year 2019, this is a successful reach to help resolve poverty issues in the country. The goal is to further reduce poverty rates within 2021. The plan to further reduce poverty in Thailand must take into consideration the Covid-19 situation the world has faced in 2020 and into the future. For Thailand, the virus has heavily affected the overall economy and employment rates.
As for the overall picture in different parts of Thailand, the poverty rate has decreased in almost every province. There are 2 provinces Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani with the lowest poverty rate at 0.24%. The number is followed by Phuket at 0.40%, Samut Prakan at 0.56%, and Bangkok at 0.59%. The PM will continue to find solutions for poverty in the country, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the number including education, agricultural problems, the connection between large households and low income, and informal workers who have no protection under labor protection laws.
FB Caption: The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported Thailand’s poverty rate has decreased to 6.24%.
Source: Khaosod
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