#Thaieconomy

Greece’s summer of 2025 is unfolding as a paradox. Tourism booms to record levels, drawing millions of visitors to sun-kissed islands and historic towns. Yet for half of Greeks, the annual August holiday has become a distant dream. Wages have stayed flat for years, while the price of travel—from ferries to hotel rooms to meals—has surged beyond what many households can bear.

Across Athens and the Aegean, the story is visible in the queues at the port, the empty sunloungers on beaches that would normally be packed by now, and the dissonant chatter of families weighing the cost of an island escape against other essential expenses. One ferry clerk in a busy port booth captures the mood: ticket sales are down by about 50 percent from last year. The anecdote echoes through coastal towns where tourism should fuel livelihoods, but the daily math on a family budget often refuses to cooperate with the dream of a seaside break.

A slowdown in Thailand’s tourism rebound weighs on communities and local economies that rely on visitor spending. New figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport show about 20.81 million foreign visitors through August 17, prompting the National Economic and Social Development Council to trim the full-year inbound forecast from 37 million to 33 million. The dip suggests the recovery may be stabilizing rather than accelerating, with knock-on effects for jobs, small businesses, and provincial revenue.

Thailand’s tourism recovery appears to have lost momentum, with foreign arrivals down more than 7 percent in the year to August 17 and official forecasts trimmed sharply, raising fresh concerns for the country’s economy and communities that depend on visitor spending. New data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport show about 20.81 million foreign visitors during the period, prompting the National Economic and Social Development Council to reduce its full-year arrival forecast from 37 million to 33 million and signaling a potential shortfall from pre-pandemic highs that supported millions of jobs nationwide.

A pervasive Thai dream of “having it all” places enormous pressure on working mothers. The ideal suggests women can seamlessly blend demanding careers, intense parenting, flawless housework, and constant emotional availability. International research shows this perfectionist standard is misleading and harmful, setting women up for stress and disappointment rather than spurring real social change.

New studies reveal the hidden burdens of household and cognitive labor on mothers’ mental health, career progress, and family harmony. When women strive to meet these standards, they report higher chronic stress, burnout, and slower career growth. Inflexible workplaces and gaps in policy fail to support families facing competing demands.

Thai working mothers face mounting pressure from the culturally pervasive “having it all” ideal — the expectation that women seamlessly combine uninterrupted career advancement, intensive hands-on parenting, flawless household management, and constant emotional availability to family members. Leading international research reveals this perfectionist benchmark as fundamentally misleading and psychologically harmful, creating unrealistic expectations that set individual women up for failure rather than prompting necessary social and institutional changes.

Comprehensive new studies document the devastating impact of invisible household and cognitive labor burdens on maternal mental health, career trajectories, and family wellbeing. Women who attempt to meet “having it all” standards experience significantly elevated rates of chronic stress, occupational burnout, and career stagnation, while policy gaps and inflexible workplace norms provide inadequate support for managing competing demands.

A growing body of research and commentary argues that the cultural ideal of “having it all” — combining an uninterrupted career, hands-on parenting, flawless household management and emotional availability — is a misleading and harmful benchmark for many women. New studies tie the burden of invisible household and cognitive labour to higher rates of stress, burnout and stalled careers for mothers, while policy gaps and workplace norms leave many without realistic supports. For Thai families navigating strong family expectations and evolving labour patterns, the evidence suggests pragmatic policy and workplace changes, not perfectionist ideals, will deliver better outcomes for women, children and the economy (WSJ opinion ; systematic review of mental labour ; cognitive household labour study).

A wave of change is reshaping Asia’s demographics and economies, propelled by an often-overlooked force: women aged 50 and above. Across China, Japan, South Korea, and increasingly in Thailand, these mature female consumers are growing into influential tastemakers, dynamic drivers of the burgeoning “silver economy,” and central participants in new business, cultural, and societal trends. As Asia confronts declining birth rates and aging populations, research shows that the region’s 50+ female demographic is not only expanding rapidly but also transforming what it means to age — and to consume — in modern society (Jing Daily).

A quiet demographic shift is reshaping Asia’s economies. Women aged 50 and older are now a powerful, active consumer group across major markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. This trend goes beyond shopping habits; it influences work, health, technology, and lifestyle as aging populations rise. Research indicates mature female consumers control trillions in spending, signaling a need for businesses and policymakers to act.

Thailand stands at a pivotal moment as it edges toward a super-aged society. By 2025, seniors over 65 are expected to comprise more than 16 percent of the population, mirroring broader Asian patterns. Today’s 50-plus women challenge old stereotypes by pursuing active aging, digital participation, and financial empowerment, reshaping expectations around retirement and social contribution.

Across Asia’s bustling metropolises, a demographic revolution is quietly reshaping entire economies. Women aged 50 and above have emerged as the continent’s most dynamic consumer force, wielding unprecedented purchasing power and redefining traditional concepts of aging across China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. This transformation represents far more than changing shopping patterns—it signals a fundamental shift in how Asian societies approach work, health, technology, and lifestyle as populations age rapidly. Research indicates these mature female consumers now control trillions in spending decisions, making them impossible to ignore for businesses and policymakers alike.

A Golden Visa could offer a lifeline to Thailand’s economy as growth slows and tourism softens. Policy discussions at a recent conference highlighted a program that would grant residency in exchange for investments and property purchases. Proponents say the plan could bolster GDP, ease public debt pressure, and spur domestic spending.

Thailand’s current economic picture makes the proposal timely. Growth has hovered around 2% for much of the past decade, with forecasts for 2025 pointing to a potential dip. Tourism remains a key driver, contributing roughly 12-15% of GDP, but arrivals have cooled, especially from China, dampening local consumption and business momentum. In addition, new US tariffs on Thai exports could affect sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture, underscoring the need to diversify capital sources.

Thailand’s tourism sector is navigating a difficult phase. International arrivals have slowed, and traveler safety remains a top concern. Early 2025 data show a clear dip in visitors, with May marking a notable decline. Industry leaders warn that without reforms, the impact could ripple through the economy, jobs, and Thailand’s global standing. Data from industry groups and government agencies highlight tourism as a cornerstone of growth, supporting GDP and employment.

A global surge in layoffs during 2025 has heightened job insecurity and driven many workers to overwork to remain employed. A CNBC analysis cites an unprecedented level of disruption, with nearly 700,000 layoffs in the first five months of the year, marking an 80% rise from the same period in 2024. About 46% of workers report worry about their future, underscoring a broader mental health challenge alongside economic strain.

Thai readers can relate to these dynamics as economic shifts ripple through the local workforce. Slower demand for key exports and rapid technological change fuel fears of job loss and longer hours as workers try to cope. In both public and private sectors, staff feel pressure to perform while navigating uncertainty.

Leisure travel is set to become a $15 trillion powerhouse by 2040, according to a landmark study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), signaling an era of unprecedented opportunity—and challenge—for airlines, hotels, and tour operators worldwide. The report forecasts that the sector will triple in value from $5 trillion in 2024, driven by shifting demographics, fresh travel motivations, and groundbreaking use of digital technology in planning and experiences. These profound shifts carry particularly significant ramifications for Thailand, an established tourism hub in Asia primed to benefit—and compete—in this new global travel order.

Leisure travel is projected to reach $15 trillion by 2040, a shift outlined in a landmark Boston Consulting Group study. The analysis says the sector will triple in value from about $5 trillion in 2024, driven by rising affluence, evolving traveler motivations, and smarter digital planning. For Thailand, a regional tourism hub, this shift presents opportunities and new competitive pressures that require bold, tech-enabled strategies.

Thailand’s tourism has long fueled the economy, contributing a sizable share of GDP before the pandemic. Now, with domestic and regional travel expanding, Thai operators must rethink offerings beyond traditional beach getaways. Increasingly, travelers seek curated, purpose-driven experiences—wellness, culinary immersion, eco-tourism, and culture—while technology reshapes every step from inspiration to booking.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence across industries has triggered waves of anxiety and anticipation among workers worldwide, including in Thailand. A recent investigation into global tech sector layoffs and the evolving job landscape makes clear that artificial intelligence is not only changing the future of work—it is accelerating its arrival. With major global players citing AI as both a reason for workforce cuts and a driver of new opportunities, the question for Thai readers is urgent: will AI replace you, or take you to the next level?

A global surge in artificial intelligence is reshaping work across industries, and Thailand is not immune. AI-driven efficiency is accelerating changes in job roles, prompting both concern and opportunity for Thai workers. The big question for readers: will AI replace you, or help you rise to the next level?

Global tech layoffs and shifting demand illuminate the trend. In 2025, major tech firms announced cost-cutting moves tied to AI investments, including layoffs in several departments. By mid-2025, more than 22,000 tech jobs were cut in a single quarter, continuing a pattern seen in 2024 when hundreds of thousands of roles vanished across the industry. Analysts say AI is reconfiguring tasks from coding and data analysis to translation and research, while also creating demand for new kinds of expertise.

A fast-changing AI landscape is raising questions about jobs. The Conversation outlines a clear framework: AI disruption hinges on four advantages over humans—speed, scale, scope, and sophistication. This lens helps businesses, workers, and policymakers see where AI will replace or reshape work, and where human skills remain essential.

The topic is especially urgent for Thailand, where robotics, automation, and cloud services are already transforming the labor market. Experts warn that AI isn’t universally smarter or more reliable than people, but workplaces will adopt it where it offers a clear edge in one or more of the four dimensions.

A rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence (AI) has left many wondering: will machines make human jobs obsolete? A new analysis published in The Conversation, led by experts in technology and public policy, argues the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Instead, the future of AI-driven job disruption depends on four key advantages the technology has over humans: speed, scale, scope, and sophistication—a framework that could guide businesses, workers, and societies in understanding where AI is most likely to replace or reshape human work (The Conversation).

Thailand’s role as a regional economic hub is under pressure as the World Bank’s February 2025 Thailand Economic Monitor shows the country trails its ASEAN peers in business innovation. The report highlights an widening innovation gap that threatens jobs, investment, and incomes—especially for the 12.9 million Thais working in SMEs.

For Thai readers, innovation is more than a buzzword; it’s essential for future stability and wellbeing. A strong capacity to innovate can create jobs, attract investment, and raise living standards. Without swift action, communities across the country risk falling behind as global trade becomes more volatile.

A new wave of social science research suggests that demographic inertia among older consumers, the pitfalls of chasing trendy college majors, and even political gerrymandering are subtly but powerfully influencing business and education landscapes worldwide, with clear implications for Thailand. Recent studies highlighted in a Boston Globe summary raise concerns about Thailand’s entrepreneurial future, university graduates’ career paths, and the role of psychological traits in shaping academic debates.

Thailand, like many developed economies, is fast becoming a “super-aged” society. By 2024, over 20% of Thais were aged 60 or older, a proportion forecast to climb further in the coming decades World Bank. According to a May 2025 National Bureau of Economic Research report by University of Pennsylvania economists, this shift has much more than just social policy implications—it may also chill the prospects for new businesses. Their findings: older consumers are less willing to try new brands and products, leading to fewer startups and less competition in markets with aging customer bases (Bornstein, G., “Entry and Profits in an Aging Economy: The Role of Consumer Inertia,” NBER, May 2025).

A wave of social science research suggests that aging populations, the lure of trendy college majors, and even political districting are subtly shaping business, education, and policy—not just abroad but with clear implications for Thailand. A recent summary highlighted by national and international researchers raises questions about Thailand’s entrepreneurial future, graduates’ career paths, and how psychological factors influence public debates.

Thailand is rapidly becoming a “super-aged” society. By 2024, more than one in five Thais was 60 or older, with the share expected to rise in coming decades. Data from international development sources show that this demographic shift could influence market dynamics and business opportunities. In a notable study, researchers examined how older consumers tend to test fewer new brands, potentially limiting startup growth and market competition in sectors frequented by older customers.

Asia has soared to the top of travelers’ wishlists this summer, accounting for more than half of the season’s most popular destinations, according to a recent report highlighted by CNBC. As worldwide travel rebounds in the post-pandemic era, industry data signal a growing preference for Asian hotspots, reflecting shifting tourism trends, evolving traveler demographics, and renewed cultural curiosity.

Heightened demand for Asian destinations is particularly significant for Thai readers, as Thailand’s tourism industry is both a direct participant in and a beneficiary of this global pattern. The rebound underscores the resilience of Asian tourism sectors and brings renewed opportunities and challenges for Thailand as it competes for international arrivals and seeks to rejuvenate its domestic travel economy.

Asia has surged to the top of travelers’ wishlists this summer, accounting for more than half of the season’s most popular destinations. A recent report highlighted by a major business outlet shows Asian cities and regions leading the way as global travel rebounds post-pandemic. The shift reflects evolving traveler demographics, renewed cultural curiosity, and the growing appeal of distinct local experiences.

The trend matters for Thai readers. Thailand’s tourism industry is both part of and a beneficiary of Asia’s rising popularity. The rebound signals resilience across Asian destinations and presents opportunities and challenges for Thailand as it welcomes international arrivals and revitalizes domestic travel.

Employee burnout is no longer just a personal issue; it poses real risks to productivity and the economy. Recent analyses show companies lose billions yearly to lost output, absenteeism, and higher turnover. Thai leaders must act now to curb burnout and safeguard competitiveness, drawing on global findings and local context.

In Thailand, burnout hits hard in manufacturing, services, and tourism—sectors that often run at high tempo. A 2023 Thai labor survey found that about 64% of workers reported occasional or constant burnout. Global research echoes this, linking burnout to reduced engagement and higher costs from absenteeism and turnover. Data from these sources underline the financial and human toll on Thai workplaces.