Recent Changes in Thailand's Rural Economy

An impressive growth in per capita income in Thailand's economy between 1987 and 1988 occurred mainly due to a dramatic fall in household size and the growing importance of non-rice crops. This article examines the changes in Thailand's rural economy by generating household level data through repeat surveys of six villages. The study finds that income distribution has worsened and although the proportion of poor households has declined, the intensity and severity of poverty has increased.