BANGKOK — More than 80% of Thais remain undecided or have no plans to travel during the New Year holiday period, reflecting continued caution amid economic uncertainty, according to a survey released by a Thai business research center.
Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of its Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said the survey showed subdued sentiment ahead of the New Year 2026 period.
The survey, conducted from Dec. 16 to 21 among 1,300 respondents nationwide, found that 58.8% do not plan to travel outside their local areas, while 20.5% remain undecided. Only 20.7% said they plan to travel.
Among those planning trips between Dec. 30, 2025, and Jan. 4, 2026, most said they would return to their home provinces. Others said they would travel for leisure or combine travel with family visits. Trips are increasingly short-distance, mainly within central Thailand, followed by the North, Northeast, Bangkok and surrounding areas, and the South.
More than half of respondents said they plan to visit mountainous destinations, while 61% said they would travel with family members.
Visitors flock to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, to enjoy cold weather on Dec. 19, 2025.Spending patterns showed a shift toward social activities and entertainment. Overall, 73.9% of respondents said their spending would go toward socializing and parties, followed by religious merit-making and purchases of alcohol and wine. Among younger respondents, more than 70% said they planned to spend money on themselves.
Thanavath said the return of alcohol and entertainment to the top spending categories likely reflects rising stress levels and a desire to socialize.
Gift baskets were the most popular New Year gifts, followed by cash or gift cards and dietary supplements. More than 70% of respondents said they expect to spend about the same amount as last year, citing a weak economic outlook, higher prices and the need to save money.
The survey found that 58.4% expect the New Year atmosphere to be about as lively as last year, while those anticipating a very lively period fell to 12.9%, down from 26% previously. About 28% expect a more subdued holiday season.
The Giant Christmas Tree 2025” at CentralWorld in Bangkok comes this year in an irresistibly cute Disneyland theme. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yokin Charoenying)Total New Year spending in 2026 is estimated at 111.6 billion baht ($3.5billion), up 2.1% from a year earlier — the slowest growth rate in four years but the highest spending level since 2019, the center said.
Thanavath said social activities are expected to account for 16.2 billion baht ($522 million) in spending, exceeding religious merit-making at 10.5 billion baht ($338 million). Overseas travel is expected to focus on nearby countries to reduce costs.
He said government measures such as the Khon La Krueng Plus co-payment scheme have helped support year-end spending, but caution remains high and concerns about economic prospects persist. Most respondents expect economic growth in 2025–2026 to be limited to 1.5% to 2%.
Thanavath said the first quarter of 2026 will be critical in determining whether Thailand’s economy can grow above 2%. He cited election-related spending of 40–60 billion baht ($1.3-1.9 billion) and easing global risks as potential support factors.
He added that businesses view an exchange rate of 34–35 baht per U.S. dollar as optimal for exports, warning against excessive volatility. Politically, he said confidence must be restored through the swift formation of a new government and prompt implementation of stimulus measures.
Thanavath also said competition among political parties over cash-handout policies is expected to intensify, with the private sector calling for economic stimulus, workforce upskilling and measures to curb currency risks and improve governance credibility.
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