Thailand’s millennials and Gen Z stand at the forefront of transformative change. Together, they constitute nearly half the population and redefine the nation’s priorities in employment, education, housing, and environmental sustainability. Their voices, once whispers, now resonate as catalysts for action and reform.
Despite their optimism—more than 85% expect a better quality of life within five years. However, systemic challenges temper this enthusiasm. Rising living costs, unaffordable housing, and job market mismatches jeopardise their aspirations. Policymakers face a pressing challenge: How can governance evolve to meet the ambitions of a generation poised to drive progress?
Thailand’s governance system, a constitutional monarchy, shapes how policies are crafted and implemented. National strategies fall under the purview of the Parliament and Prime Minister, while local governance manages essential services such as housing and education. However, this centralised approach often limits grassroots engagement, a challenge as millennials and Gen Z push for greater inclusivity in decision-making.
These younger generations are leveraging digital platforms like TikTok and Facebook to amplify their demands for transparency, sustainability, and equity. This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Thailand’s leadership: the challenge of responding to an informed and vocal demographic and the opportunity to harness their energy for nation-building.
Trust remains a key issue.
According to our recent research in collaboration with Vero Advocacy, about half of Thais trust the government to act in the public’s best interest and feel safe expressing their opinions on youth policies. Gen Zs demonstrate greater trust in the government compared to Millennials.
Policies such as the 15-year free education initiative and the One Family One Soft Power program signal responsiveness, but gaps remain in addressing youth priorities comprehensively. Bridging this divide requires a governance model that values youth participation and collaboration, ensuring policies reflect their evolving needs.
United in their influence, Thai millennials and Gen Z diverge in needs and aspirations, creating distinct challenges for policymakers.
| Category | millennials | Gen Z |
| Primary Concerns | Housing affordability, job security | Mental health, flexible work |
| Housing | Ownership-focused | Flexibility-driven, prefer renting |
| Digital Presence | Balanced use of older platforms | Highly active on emerging platforms |
Thailand’s economic landscape profoundly shapes the priorities of these generations. millennials, having experienced economic instability, lean toward stability and long-term financial planning. Gen Z, however, emerges in a world of rapid digital transformation, emphasising adaptability and innovation in their career and lifestyle choices.
Both groups share a common concern for affordable housing and quality education, but they diverge in how they approach these challenges. millennials, who often take on family responsibilities, advocate for government policies that support ownership and economic security. Gen Z, on the other hand, leverages their digital fluency to challenge norms and demand forward-looking solutions, such as accessible education that aligns with technological trends.
These demographic insights highlight the urgent need for tailored policies that address the unique needs of each generation. millennials need housing support and upskilling programs, while Gen Z needs flexible education models and digital-first career opportunities.
Thailand’s youth are not bystanders; they are architects of the nation’s evolving future. They demand transparency, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement with policymakers in government.
Policymakers must:
Thailand’s millennials and Gen Z are charting a bold vision for the future—one rooted in opportunity, equity, and sustainability. Their collective voice is a roadmap for progress, challenging policymakers to rethink traditional approaches and embrace youth-centred governance.
The journey ahead requires collaboration. By aligning policies with the aspirations of these generations and fostering genuine partnerships, Thailand can build a nation that reflects the values and ambitions of its future leaders. Download the Full Report.
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