Thailand Cost of Living Crisis Threatens Songkran Festivities as 61 Percent Report Unbearable Essential Prices

New Suan Dusit Poll finds most Thais overwhelmed by rising prices, with many skipping Songkran plans to save money amid a national fuel and goods crisis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 5, 2026, 7:16 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

The Growing Burden of Essential Commodity Costs

As the Songkran festival approaches, a significant portion of the Thai population is reporting that the cost of living has reached a critical threshold. According to the latest findings from Suan Dusit University, which surveyed ,1,272 respondents between March 31 and April 3, over 61 percent of the public finds current price hikes for essential goods to be unbearable. This surge in expenses has forced a change in consumer behavior, with approximately 41 percent of citizens indicating they must now compare prices with extreme care and be far more selective in their daily purchases to remain solvent.

Energy Volatility Destabilizing Household Budgets

The ongoing oil crisis has emerged as a primary catalyst for financial distress across the nation, affecting nearly every facet of daily life. The poll indicates that 46.7 percent of respondents are suffering greatly from the impact of fuel costs on their daily expenditures, while another 37.74 percent reported being fairly affected. This energy pressure is not limited to transport, it is flowing through the supply chain, causing 43.87 percent of participants to express fear regarding potential goods shortages or significant delays in deliveries as the holiday season nears.

Stagnant Participation in Traditional Holiday Travel

High fuel prices are directly dictating the movement of people during what is traditionally one of Thailand’s busiest travel periods. Some 55.66 percent of those surveyed cited fuel costs as the deciding factor in whether they would participate in Songkran activities. Consequently, over half of the respondents plan to skip festive events entirely to save money, while nearly 40 percent intend to avoid long distance travel to their hometowns. This shift toward staying home or traveling only within local provinces reflects a cautious public mood that may dampen the usual economic boom associated with the New Year.