Scales balancing unequal stacks of coins with a cityscape in the background.

Is Thailand's Income Inequality Fair? Unveiling the Truth Behind the Numbers

Nico Varela in Business & Economy September 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into Income Distribution and Fairness in Thailand: Are policies promoting true equality or just masking deeper issues?"

Income inequality remains a persistent global challenge, capturing the attention of economists, policymakers, and the public alike. Thailand, like many nations, grapples with significant disparities in income distribution. While empirical data often highlight the divide between the rich and the poor, a crucial question emerges: Is this inequality inherently unfair? Recent discussions have shifted from merely addressing income equality to ensuring fair income inequality, challenging conventional approaches to economic justice.

In a world where perfect income equality is often seen as idealistic and practically unattainable, understanding the nuances of fair income distribution becomes paramount. People are not inherently bothered by income inequality itself but by the unfairness it represents. This perspective demands a deeper examination of existing income disparities and the policies designed to address them. Do current measures genuinely promote fairness, or do they inadvertently perpetuate underlying issues?

This article delves into the complexities of income distribution in Thailand, examining whether the existing inequality is fair and exploring alternative frameworks for achieving a more equitable society. Drawing on recent research and empirical data, we'll dissect the current state of affairs, evaluate the effectiveness of current policies, and propose potential solutions for fostering a fairer economic landscape in Thailand.

Measuring Fairness: How Do We Define a Just Income Distribution?

Scales balancing unequal stacks of coins with a cityscape in the background.

Quantifying fairness in income distribution requires establishing clear benchmarks and methodologies. One approach involves examining distributions of athletes' salaries in professional sports, where compensation is ideally tied to individual contribution and performance. These distributions often reflect principles of distributive and procedural justice, providing a tangible framework for evaluating fairness.

Researchers have developed fairness benchmarks derived from these sports salary distributions, using them to assess whether income shares across different segments of the population align with what would be considered fair. These benchmarks take into account factors like the Gini index, a measure of income inequality, and the income shares held by various quintiles (20% segments) of the population.

Distributive Justice: Fairness is linked to whether outcomes satisfy the equity rule, where individuals get benefits and costs proportional to their contributions.
Procedural Justice: Focuses on the fairness of the processes by which rules are enacted, disputes are resolved, and benefits/costs are allocated.
No-Envy Principle: Resources are allocated such that no one prefers someone else's share.
General Consensus: International standards also guide what's seen as a meaningful benchmark.

By comparing actual income distribution data in Thailand to these fairness benchmarks, researchers can pinpoint areas where income shares deviate from what would be considered just. These deviations highlight potential unfairness and inform policy recommendations aimed at promoting a more equitable distribution.

Towards a Fairer Thailand: Policy Implications and Future Directions

Achieving fair income distribution in Thailand requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both income inequality and the underlying perceptions of unfairness. By adopting comprehensive fairness benchmarks, policymakers can gain valuable insights into the existing disparities and implement targeted policies to promote a more equitable society. This could involve designing policies with redistributive measure. But it could also involve designing policies with procedural justice similar to those found in professional sport. All in all, the goal should be to shift the focus from mere equality to the equitable distribution of resources.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301693,

Title: Quantifying Fair Income Distribution In Thailand

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec stat.me

Authors: Thitithep Sitthiyot, Kanyarat Holasut

Published: 15-04-2024

Everything You Need To Know

What are the key factors to consider when measuring fairness in income distribution, and how do they apply to Thailand?

Measuring fairness in income distribution involves several key factors. These include examining the income shares across different segments of the population, utilizing metrics like the Gini index to quantify income inequality, and assessing the income shares held by various quintiles (20% segments) of the population. Benchmarks derived from sports salary distributions, which often reflect principles of distributive and procedural justice, can also be used. In the context of Thailand, researchers compare actual income distribution data to these fairness benchmarks to identify areas where income shares deviate from what would be considered just, thus highlighting potential unfairness.

How does the concept of distributive justice relate to the fairness of income distribution in Thailand?

Distributive justice is a crucial aspect of fair income distribution. It is linked to whether outcomes satisfy the equity rule, where individuals receive benefits and costs proportional to their contributions. In the context of Thailand, this means evaluating whether the income earned by individuals is proportionate to their contributions to the economy. Disparities arise when individuals' contributions do not align with their income levels, indicating potential unfairness and the need for policy interventions.

What is procedural justice, and how could it be applied to improve income distribution fairness in Thailand?

Procedural justice focuses on the fairness of the processes by which rules are enacted, disputes are resolved, and benefits/costs are allocated. Applying this to Thailand could involve ensuring that the policies and procedures related to income distribution are fair and transparent. This includes the fairness of the processes through which salaries are determined, taxation is implemented, and social welfare programs are administered. By prioritizing procedural justice, Thailand can foster a more equitable system that enhances trust and reduces perceptions of unfairness.

What specific policies could Thailand implement to achieve a fairer income distribution, moving beyond simple income equality?

Thailand can adopt a multifaceted approach to achieve fairer income distribution. This can involve designing policies with redistributive measures, aiming to balance income disparities. Moreover, it can implement procedural justice-focused policies, similar to those found in professional sports, to ensure fairness in processes. By focusing on equity, Thailand can move beyond merely aiming for income equality and instead create an economic landscape where resources are distributed justly, considering both individual contributions and fairness in processes.

How do fairness benchmarks, such as those derived from sports salary distributions, help in understanding income inequality and promoting a more equitable society in Thailand?

Fairness benchmarks, often inspired by professional sports salary distributions, provide a tangible framework for evaluating income distribution fairness. These benchmarks, which consider aspects like the Gini index and income shares of different population segments, help to pinpoint areas where income shares deviate from what is considered just. By comparing Thailand's income distribution data to these benchmarks, researchers and policymakers can identify potential unfairness and formulate targeted policies. These insights are instrumental in promoting a more equitable society by focusing on fair distribution rather than solely on income equality.