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Bangkok Post
17-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Poll finds rising economic anxieties
Thais fear for the future, with rising anxieties over income and possible job losses, according to the "What Worries the World" survey conducted by global market research firm Ipsos. The study outlines the five primary concerns among the Thai population during the first half of 2025, which are financial/political corruption (45%), poverty & social inequality (37%), unemployment (31%), inflation (24%) and crime & violence (22%), according to Pimtai Suwannasuk, Ipsos Thailand's senior client officer. The survey sample covers 24,737 adults aged 16-74 in 30 participating countries, including 500 Thai adults aged 20-74. The study took place during April 25 to May 9. The concerns indicate widespread economic uncertainty, reduced confidence in big-ticket items and household purchases, and "cakeism" when it comes to the economic perspective, where citizens oppose tax increases while simultaneously advocating for increased public service expenditure. Income confidence and employment security are among the key factors to impact consumer confidence, according to Usana Chantarklum, managing director of Ipsos Ltd. Economically, the survey illustrates cakeism among the Thai population. A significant number (45%) of Thais disagree with raising taxes to support higher government spending. At the same time, a huge majority (70%) of respondents support increased spending on public services. The economic outlook among Thai consumers is marked by a notable increase in concern and hesitancy regarding major purchases, including homes, cars and even household goods. The survey reveals that 65% of Thais describe the current economic situation in the country as bad, a 10 percentage point increase from last year. This decline in confidence has made Thais more hesitant to spend, especially on big-ticket items. Some 53% of Thais feel less comfortable buying large items such as homes or cars, a 6 percentage point increase from last year. Furthermore, this apprehension extends to general household purchases, with 46% of Thais feeling less comfortable making other household purchases, a 10 percentage point increase from last year. Looking ahead to the next six months, Thais anticipate significant increases in various household expenses. For example, 69% anticipate higher utility bills -- a spike of 10 percentage points over utilities bills from the previous round -- while 66% project rising fuel costs, also up 7 points. Job security remains a major concern, with almost 6 in 10 Thais (59%) knowing someone who has lost their job in the past six months, a slight 2 percentage point decrease from the previous year. Nearly one-third of Thais (28%) are concerned about losing their own jobs in the next six months, a decrease of 2 percentage points from last year. Confidence in job security has sharply declined, with nearly half (48%) feeling less secure about their own, their family's and friends' job stability, a 12 percentage point increase from last year. Moreover, 54% of Thais are less confident in their ability to invest for the future, whether for retirement or their children's education, an increase of 15 percentage points from the previous year. Only 37% of Thai respondents expect their personal financial situation to improve over the next six months -- a significant drop of 17% compared to last year. Furthermore, the findings highlight a sense of societal and national fragility: 66% of Thais think "society is broken" and 60% view the country as being in decline. This is reflected in Ipsos's "Society is Broken Index" where Thailand scores 77%, the highest among 31 surveyed countries, compared to a global average of 61%. The survey also indicates a strong public demand for exceptional leaders with the authority to genuinely address social and economic issues. Some 79% of Thais expressed the need for a leader willing to break the rules to fix the country's problems. Moreover, 77% advocate for a strong leader to reclaim the country from the rich and powerful.
News18
03-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Urban India Optimistic, Low Worry Levels For Inflation, Unemployment, Terrorism: Report
Last Updated: At 64% (two in three Indians), a global survey has placed India fourth in terms of optimism after Singapore (81%), Indonesia (70%), and Malaysia (67%) India has shown high optimism with worry levels dipping for inflation, unemployment, and terrorism, a survey has shown. But education has become a rising concern – be it due to US President Donald Trump's tough stance on immigration or students returning home following the Iran-Israel conflict. According to Ipsos 'What Worries the World June 2025 Wave', India was placed fourth in terms of optimism. The survey reported that there is high optimism among urban Indians regarding the country's trajectory. The Ipsos report states that two in three Indians (64%) believe that India is headed in the right direction. India trails only Singapore (81%), Indonesia (70%), and Malaysia (67%), where citizens expressed even greater confidence in their countries' paths. In contrast, 24 out of the 30 markets surveyed reflected a gloomy outlook, with 63 per cent of citizens believing their country is on the wrong track. The 'What Worries the World' survey tracks public opinion on the most important social and political issues across 30 countries month on month, drawing on over 10 years of data to place the latest scores in context. Adarkar said amid rising geopolitical tensions, optimism among Indians can be the result of the central government and armed forces working together to mitigate external threats and safeguard national interests. Bold initiatives – case in point, Operation Sindoor – have demonstrated strategic clarity and operational readiness. On the economic front, Adarkar said, the Reserve Bank of India has taken key macroeconomic measures, including interest rate reductions, to support growth and stability. The Centre has kept a close watch on fuel prices and inflation, sourcing resources more efficiently to cushion the impact on citizens. 'Together, these measures have reinforced public confidence and positioned the country to weather global uncertainties with determination and foresight," Adarkar said. WHAT IS INDIA WORRIED ABOUT? Education has surfaced among the top three worries of Indians. This can be a result of Indian students returning home from conflict-ridden countries or even Trump's immigration and deportment policies, Adarkar said. 'The escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel prompted the Indian government to launch Operation Sindhu, aimed at evacuating Indian families, including a large number of students, from the affected region. While the operation was swift and effective, it has disrupted the academic progress and future plans of many students, raising concerns around education. Earlier, Trump's tough policies on immigration and deportment had caused anxiety among students," Adarkar said. The survey further shows that citizens in other countries, meanwhile, continue to grapple with deep anxiety over rising crime and violence, persistent inflation, poverty, and widening social inequality. Much of this unrest stems from the prolonged conflicts in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine, as well as the broader effects of the global economic slowdown. First Published: July 03, 2025, 18:22 IST
NDTV
31-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
After Operation Sindoor, India Climbs Up Global Optimism Index: Survey
New Delhi: India has reported a notable rise in national optimism, climbing three percentage points in the May 2025 edition of the Ipsos 'What Worries the World' survey. India is fourth on the global ranking of the optimism index, following closely behind Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The latest boost in national sentiment comes in the aftermath of "Operation Sindoor," a military operation conducted earlier this month targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to the survey, 65 per cent of Indians surveyed believe the country is headed in the right direction, up from 62 per cent in the previous edition. The global average, in contrast, remains static at 37 per cent, with pessimism prevailing in much of the developed world. France, South Korea, and Peru occupy the bottom ranks, with fewer than one in five respondents in each country expressing confidence in their national trajectory. Public Sentiment The sudden rise in optimism in India coincides with the execution of Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7. Lasting approximately 25 minutes, the Indian military carried out precision strikes on nine terror sites - four in Pakistan and five in PoK. The operation neutralised over 100 terrorists and dismantled facilities linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen terror groups. Following the strikes, Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks on border areas, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Air raid sirens were triggered in cities such as Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and Chandigarh. India reported limited structural damage to military installations in Udhampur, Adampur, and Bhuj. Terrorism A Concern Public concern about terrorism surged in India following the deadly Pahalgam attack earlier in May, which saw 26 people die. In response, the Ipsos survey recorded an 11-point increase in Indians citing terrorism as a top issue of national concern, taking it to 26 per cent, the highest level recorded since October 2019. This places terrorism just behind inflation (37 per cent) and unemployment (33 per cent) as India's third-largest worry. The inflation and unemployment concerns saw marginal declines of 2 per cent each from the previous round. Other concerns among Indian respondents include crime and violence (25 per cent) and political or financial corruption (21 per cent). Optimism in the Global South The Ipsos optimism index shows that countries from the Global South dominate the top spots. Singapore leads with 77 per cent, followed by Malaysia (69 per cent), Indonesia (67 per cent), and India (65 per cent). Argentina (56 per cent), Thailand (45 per cent), and Mexico (45 per cent) round out the top seven. T In contrast, developed economies continue to show signs of public dissatisfaction. France registered only 19 per cent saying their country is on the right track, while South Korea (15 per cent) and Peru (9 per cent) reported even lower levels. These nations also recorded high concern over corruption, unemployment, and political instability.
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
India retains 4th rank in optimism, 6 of 10 citizens believe country is moving in right direction: Survey
In the latest April wave of the Ipsos What Worries the World survey, India has retained its 4th position in global optimism, with 62% of Indian citizens expressing hope for a better future. The data reflects continued positivity in India, matching results from the previous wave, and highlights the growing confidence in several global south markets. India is joined at the top by fellow Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries, with Singapore (85%) leading the pack, followed by Malaysia (70%), Indonesia (67%), India (62%), and Thailand (55%). Argentina also featured strongly, tying with Thailand at 55%. Amit Adarkar, CEO of Ipsos India, provided insight into the findings, emphasizing India's strategic position and internal strengths. 'We have the global advantage of being geographically away from both Ukraine and Gaza, the epicentres of wars. India and the other global south markets have largely been driven by domestic consumption and domestic economy. And India also has the demographic dividend, leading to economic growth.' He added, however, that emerging challenges were not yet reflected in this survey wave. 'This survey was conducted before the Trump tariffs were announced (with a 90 day pause to reciprocal tariff) and before the Pahalgam terror strike took place. These events have heightened anxiety and fear among citizens which have not been captured in the current wave. India being a strong economy and a resilient market, it will continue to stay on grid. But the unrest at the borders and the looming reciprocal tariffs by the Trump govt could lead to a strong impact on India's fortunes.' Despite the buoyant outlook among the global south, the report reveals rising global pessimism, particularly in countries such as Peru, South Korea, and France. These nations showed a more negative outlook about the future, in stark contrast to the optimism seen across much of Asia and Latin America. One key finding from the survey is the prominence of inflation as the top issue globally and within India. According to Adarkar, 'Ipsos' What Worries the World survey tracks public opinion on the most important social and political issues across 29 countries today. And inflation continues to impact both global and local citizens with high cost of living, as a consequence of global economic slowdown, wars in Gaza and Ukraine and now with tough measures by the Trump regime on the anvil, in terms of job cuts and reciprocal tariffs, we are bracing for tougher times ahead.' He further stated, 'With the terror strike in Pahalgam and India's tough call, the citizens are likely to bear the brunt of these new developments, with increase in prices of essential commodities and slowdown in inbound travel of foreign tourists, impacting the economy.' Adarkar concluded with a recommendation for policymakers: 'Govts should focus on their local worries to provide reprieve to citizens, as these concerns weigh heavily on them.' Survey Methodology The 29-country Global Advisor survey was conducted between March 21 and April 4, 2025, via the Ipsos Online Panel system, polling 25,219 adults aged between 16 and 74, depending on country-specific ranges. In India, around 2,200 individuals were surveyed, with approximately 1,800 face-to-face interviews and 400 online. The sample in India represents the urban population, including socio-economic classes A, B, and C across metros and Tier 1–3 towns. The findings were weighted to reflect recent census demographics and are indicative of the views of India's more connected population segment. Ipsos, one of the world's largest market research companies, operates in 90 markets with over 20,000 employees, offering insights into global opinions, behaviours, and trends.
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First Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- First Post
India ranked 4th globally in optimism, 62% citizens hopeful of great future: Ipsos survey
The April wave of the 'Ipsos What Worries the World' survey ranked India fourth in optimism. It further revealed that citizens from Peru, South Korea and France were pessimistic about the future read more Defying global trend, the majority of Indian nationals are quite optimistic about the country's future, with 62 per cent of them saying their nation is headed in the right direction. The April wave of the 'Ipsos What Worries the World' survey ranked India in fourth position in optimism. It further revealed that citizens from Peru, South Korea and France were pessimistic about the future. The three nations ranked above India are also from global south—Singapore (85 per cent), Malaysia (70 per cent), Indonesia (67 per cent). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India, said the fact that India was located way far from active warzones in Gaza and Ukraine put the country in an advantageous position. 'We have the global advantage of being geographically away from both Ukraine and Gaza, the epicentres of wars. India and the other global south markets have largely been driven by domestic consumption and domestic economy. And India also has the demographic dividend, leading to economic growth .This survey was conducted before the Trump tarriffs were announced (with a 90-day pause to reciprocal tariff) and before the Pahalgam terror strike took place. These events have heightened anxiety and fear among citizens which have not been captured in the current wave. India being a strong economy and a resilient market, it will continue to stay on grid. But the unrest at the borders and the looming reciprocal tariffs by the Trump govt could lead to a strong impact on India's fortunes," Adarkar said. 'Ipsos' What Worries the World survey tracks public opinion on the most important social and political issues across 29 countries today. And inflation continues to impact both global and local citizens with high cost of living, as a consequence of global economic slowdown, wars in Gaza and Ukraine and now with tough measures by the Trump regime on the anvil, in terms of job cuts and reciprocal tariffs, we are bracing for tougher times ahead. With the terror strike in Pahalgam and India's tough call, the citizens are likely to bear the brunt of these new developments, with increase in prices of essential commodities and slowdown in inbound travel of foreign tourists, impacting the economy," Adarkar added. 'Govts should focus on their local worries to provide reprieve to citizens, as these concerns weigh heavily on them," stated Adarkar. More about the survey This Global Advisor survey was conducted in 29 countries between March 21 and April 4 through the Ipsos Online Panel system, involving a total of 25,219 adults. Participants were aged 18 to 74 in countries like Canada, Israel, Malaysia, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United States; 20 to 74 in Indonesia and Thailand; 21 to 74 in Singapore; and 16 to 74 in the remaining nations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The survey sample included approximately 1,000 or more individuals in countries such as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. In other countries like Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, and Türkiye, the sample size was around 500 or more. In India, the sample size was about 2,200 people, of whom around 1,800 were interviewed face-to-face and about 400 online. The Indian sample reflects a large part of the country's urban population, covering socio-economic classes A, B, and C in metropolitan areas and Tier 1 to Tier 3 towns across all four regions. Weighting was applied to ensure the demographics matched the adult population, according to the most recent census data.
