Thailand has been ranked the world's third most unequal nation after Russia and India, with a constantly widening gap between rich and poor, despite the reduced number of poor living under the poverty line, according to Oxfam Thailand's 2016 report. The inequality in the country isn't only shown in economic aspects but also in lifestyle, education and health care, said Oxfam's advocacy and campaigncoordinator Chakchai Chomthongdee. According to the report, Thailand's 2014 GDP was high enough to eliminate poverty in the country. However, 10% of the population remain below the poverty line.
In the past seven years, Thai billionaires rose from five to 28 people. In 2013, 20% of the richest people earned 52% of the country's total income, and 10% of the richest people earned 35 times more than 10% of the poorest people. "Inequality is caused by unequal opportunities," Mr Chadchart, who is now CEO of Q-House, said.
Mr. Chomthongdee was speaking at a seminar held by Oxfam in Bangkok where the report on inequality in Thailand was released. Sharing their views on inequality were managing director of sustainable business accelerator Sal Forest, Sarinee Achavanuntakul, former transport minister, Chadchart Sittipunt, and The Four Regions Slum Network's leader, Nuchanart Taenthong.
