The number of people living below Thailand’s national poverty line has risen to approximately 3.43 million, according to newly released data, signaling a concerning uptick in poverty even as the country posts modest economic growth and recovery in key sectors.

The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council reported that the poverty rate climbed to 4.89 per cent of the population in 2024, up from 3.41 per cent in the previous year, reflecting an increase in the absolute number of poor individuals.

This change partly reflects an adjustment to the poverty threshold, which was raised to 3,078 baht per person per month, but officials emphasised that the underlying dynamics merit close attention.

The rise in poverty comes against a backdrop of ongoing economic growth.

Thailand’s economy expanded modestly in recent years, supported by domestic consumption and a recovery in tourism following the pandemic downturn, with gross domestic product growth in 2024 and 2025 projected in official forecasts.

However, structural challenges, including disparities in income and employment opportunities between sectors and regions, have shown that aggregate growth does not automatically translate into broad-based improvements in living standards.

Nearly half of those classified as poor are concentrated in the agricultural sector, which remains highly vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices, climate shocks and limited value-added opportunities.

Analysts note that agricultural households often face structural barriers such as low productivity and limited access to diversified employment, which contribute to persistent poverty.

The rising poverty figures highlight the dynamic nature of deprivation, where individuals can move in and out of poverty depending on economic conditions, access to social protections and external shocks.

Policymakers have underscored the need for targeted interventions that go beyond headline growth figures, including measures to enhance rural incomes, strengthen social safety nets, and improve access to education and healthcare for vulnerable populations.

While Thailand’s long-term development strategies have reduced poverty significantly over past decades, the recent uptick serves as a reminder of ongoing structural challenges.

As Thailand continues to navigate global economic uncertainty, maintaining inclusive growth and addressing persistent inequalities remain central priorities for sustaining social progress.