Thailand: cost of living

How much does a household in Thailand spend a month?

An average household in Thailand spent 22,420 baht a month in 2025, against average income of 28,308 baht, according to the National Statistical Office household socio-economic survey.

The survey also found average household debt of 153,038 baht, more than five times average monthly income. The Bank of Thailand said in August 2026 that households remained cautious in their spending amid rising living costs. Figures vary widely between Bangkok and other regions, and the survey's regional tables are published on the NSO survey page.

Official sources: NSO: household socio-economic survey · NSO: key indicators (homepage) · Bank of Thailand: Monetary Policy Committee's Decision 4/2026

What is the petrol price in Thailand?

Gasohol 95 cost 41.44 baht a litre and Gasohol 91 41.07 baht at PTT stations in Bangkok on 9 October 2026, according to the Energy Policy and Planning Office. Diesel was 42.94 baht a litre, E20 35.69 baht and benzine 95 50.43 baht.

Prices are set by fuel retailers and change often, sometimes from one day to the next, and prices at other retailers can differ slightly. The EPPO publishes the current retail prices for each major retailer.

Official sources: EPPO: retail fuel prices in Bangkok and vicinities · EPPO: retail fuel price data (JSON)

What is the VAT rate in Thailand?

Thailand's value added tax rate is currently 7%, according to the Revenue Department. Exports and certain other activities are taxed at 0%.

Businesses must register for VAT if their annual turnover is more than 1.8 million baht. Some goods and services are exempt, including unprocessed farm products, newspapers and textbooks, healthcare and education services, and domestic land transport. VAT returns are filed monthly.

Official sources: Revenue Department: Value Added Tax

What is the poverty rate in Thailand?

5.4% of people in Thailand lived below the national poverty line in 2022, down from 6.3% in 2021, according to the World Bank World Development Indicators, which use data from Thailand's household surveys.

Using the World Bank's international line for upper-middle-income countries, US$8.30 a day, 11.7% of people were poor in 2024, according to the World Bank. The Gini index, which measures inequality, was 33.3 in 2024.

Official sources: World Bank: poverty at national poverty lines, Thailand · World Bank: poverty at $8.30 a day, Thailand · World Bank: Gini index, Thailand

How much debt do Thai households have?

Households in Thailand owed 153,038 baht on average in 2025, according to the National Statistical Office household socio-economic survey. Average household income was 28,308 baht a month.

The survey figure is an average across all households, including those with no debt. The Bank of Thailand said in August 2026 that the ability of vulnerable households to repay their debts should continue to be monitored. The Bank of Thailand also publishes household debt as a share of GDP, based on lending data from financial institutions.

Official sources: NSO: household socio-economic survey · NSO: key indicators (homepage) · Bank of Thailand: Monetary Policy Committee's Decision 4/2026

What is Thailand's inflation rate?

According to the IMF, consumer price inflation in Thailand was -0.1% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -0.9% (2015) to 6.1% (2022). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.2%, and Thailand placed 21st highest of 24. Worldwide: 155th of 165.

How much do households in Thailand spend per person?

According to the World Bank, household consumption per person in Thailand was $4,026 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $3,794, and Thailand placed 6th highest of 12. World rank, highest first: 62nd of 124.

What share of people in Thailand live in extreme poverty?

The World Bank puts the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Thailand at 0.0% in 2024. That is the lowest since at least 2006.

What share of Thailand lives below the poverty line?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2022, is 5.4%. No year since 2006 has been lower. World rank, highest first: 48th of 52.

How unequal are incomes in Thailand?

33.3: that is the Gini index in Thailand for 2024, according to the World Bank. No year since 2006 has been lower.

What is food insecurity in Thailand?

According to the FAO, moderate or severe food insecurity in Thailand was 4.5% in 2024. No year since 2018 has been lower. It is 16th highest of 17 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 15.4%. World rank, highest first: 123rd of 135.