Economic uncertainty, political tension and social rifts have increasingly taken their toll on the psyche of Thai consumers in the past few months.

Their pockets are also being hit by rising oil prices, which continue to set record highs, and increasing inflation reflected in the prices of goods and services.

While the impact may vary, it is now evident in Bangkok and other big cities that consumer confidence is declining, according to the latest survey by the Thailand Marketing Research Society (TMRS).

TMRS says more people are reluctant to spend on unnecessary goods and services.

"The economic slow-down and rising unemployment were ranked as the top worries by those surveyed, followed by the political crisis. In the last survey [conducted at the end of 2005] drug abuse was the top worry," it said in a statement.

Of 519 respondents, 33 per cent said they slept less than last year on average. The survey also found a significant proportion of respondents had spent less time on leisure and "unnecessary" activities, including going to fitness centres, shopping, dining out, films, karaoke, spas and traditional massage, and travel.

More people, however, were taking care of their health by eating healthy food and practising yoga by themselves.

On employment security, more people have devoted resources to upgrading their work-related skills such as foreign languages and computing.

For Supattra Krajaem, 39, a financial consultant at Bangkok's Fabrinet Co, job security, good health and financial well-being are top priorities during these uncertain times.

Supattra said she worked harder to ensure that she survived the growing economic hardship.

"I used to sleep around 10 hours a night last year. Now six or seven are enough," she said.

Sommart Naknakhon, 38, a manager of Thaiwire Products Plc, said that as his company's business was related to the construction sector there had been worries about the economic slowdown.

"I have to work many times harder to maintain my sales target. There is less time for pleasure, such as films, karaoke pubs, dining out and travel. In my free time I just sleep or watch TV," he said.

Sommart added that good health and financial well-being were now his top priorities.

Wannaphat, 35, manager of a healthcare firm, who declined to reveal his surname, said: "Political uncertainty, economic problems and social rifts are my top worries."

Pongsaphon Kosalanan, 26, a student at Sriprathum University and Natee Leaungsuppachaikul, 35, marketing director of Bio Clinic Co, said their biggest worries were about the economy.

This and the political tension and rising oil prices have motivated them to adjust spending habits and lifestyles.

Financial consultant Supattra said: "I don't even feel like dining out. Food delivery accounts for most of my meals. I also have less time for massage, watching DVDs and VCDs, cinema and travel.

Wannaphat said: "I tend to eat healthier food due to my personal health concerns."

Natee of Bio Clinic Co said: "I have less time for leisure travel or spas and traditional massage because of the harder work. I have working dinners more often but make sure it is cost-effective. I'm also more cautious shopping, even though I have no financial problems."

Student Pongsaphon said he also spent less on DVDs and VCDs, travel and shopping.

"I look for stuff in the shops with 70 per cent off or more," he said.

Sommart and Wannaphat both said they had been spending more time developing work skills, including languages, computers and special training.

Natee said he had developed only computer- and work-related skills.

Supattra said she had little time to learn a foreign language but spent a lot acquiring computer skills and special training related to her job.

Pongsaphon said he studied harder and attended more extramural courses, including one on the coffee business.

"I am worried about my future career, not the economy but my family's business, with my father coming up for retirement," Pongsaphon said.

Natee added: "I do hope this economic and political uncertainty ends soon. It looks to be getting better, but it's still a gloomy prospect. The best I can do is tell myself not to panic whatever happens."

Kamol Sukin

The Nation