Future-Oriented Strategies for Sustainable Financial Behaviors in Thailand: A Qualitative Policy Perspective
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Abstract
Thailand’s aging society and inadequate pension systems have raised concerns over retirement insecurity, especially among private-sector employees. This qualitative study explores future-oriented strategies to promote sustainable positive financial behaviors (PFB) that enhance financial well-being (FWB) in retirement. The study is based on in-depth interviews with eight key informants, policy experts, academics, and institutional stakeholders, along with secondary data from social media clips. Reflexive thematic analysis, guided by member checks and an audit trail, was used to interpret the data. Findings indicate that negative future orientation stems from rising household debt, income inequality, and the potential depletion of the Social Security Fund. In contrast, positive orientation involves strategies such as fiscal and pension reform, social safety net development, behavioral nudging, health promotion, and long-term care planning. Employers contribute through workplace savings tools and access to financial consultations. At the individual level, self-awareness and discipline are crucial. Integrated, multi-level policies are essential to sustain financial well-being and cope with the challenges of an aged society.
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