Hatyai Poll reports sharp drop in southern confidence
Asst. Prof. Dr. Wiwat Chankkingthong reveals August 2026 Hatyai Poll showing economic hardship, high living costs, and debt across 14 southern provinces.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Hatyai Poll reports a sharp drop in consumer confidence across 14 southern provinces in August 2026
- Key drivers include high living costs, rising goods prices, dropping incomes, and mounting debts
- Tourism slowdown triggers rising stress levels and social crime issues in the region
- Locals urge the government to subsidize prices, cut fuel costs, and boost tourism
The Business Innovation Research Center at Hatyai University released the latest public confidence index survey covering 14 southern provinces based on a sample of 420 respondents. Asst. Prof. Dr. Wiwat Chankkingthong, manager of the research center, reported that the overall economic and social confidence index for August dropped significantly compared to the figures recorded in July.
The downturn is primarily driven by cumulative pressures from persistently high oil and natural gas prices throughout August. This created a domino effect, pushing up production costs and service fees across almost all sectors, which severely impacts low- to middle-income earners directly.
Aside from commodity prices, the report highlights shrinking household incomes paired with growing debt burdens. Combined with a sluggish tourism sector, local liquidity has tightened, leading to accumulated psychological stress and rising crime rates and social issues.
"High cost of living"
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Economic confidence indices serve as vital barometers reflecting real-life living conditions at the grassroots level. The concurrent drop in sentiment across 14 southern provinces underscores the fragility of regional economies heavily reliant on services and tourism, where energy price spikes rapidly ripple through supply chains.
In response to these hardships, residents have called upon the government for immediate intervention. Key proposals include stabilizing commodity prices, reducing fuel and cooking gas costs, launching a dedicated mental health hotline, and implementing effective tourism stimulation measures to revive the regional economy.
Source: Khaosod Politics
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