Drug abuse threatens social security and the economy, with a 29.9% rise in drug-related cases. SMEs face liquidity issues and declining capacity due to technological disruption and climate change impacts.
Social security faces serious threats from rising drug abuse, impacting quality of life and national security. In mid-2024, drug-related crimes surged by 29.9% from the previous year, with drug users increasing to 1.9 million. Additionally, online crime and gambling are on the rise.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent a significant portion of the workforce and GDP, are experiencing liquidity challenges. Their non-performing loan ratio has climbed to 7.6%, driven by a decline in domestic purchasing power that affects employment and wage growth.
Traditional Thai industries, especially SMEs, are struggling amidst technological disruptions and changing demand. Increased competition from imports, particularly through online channels, has led to reduced production capacity and job losses, with capacity utilization plummeting below 60%. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, affecting agriculture and tourism, as seen with droughts and air pollution issues in Thailand.
Source : Paetongtarn govt’s policy document to highlight challenges facing Thailand
