The Impact of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic on Income Inequality Among Thai Workers

Abstract

            The Coronavirus Disease-2019 has raised pandemic about income inequality among Thai workers. This study analyzed income inequality by comparing the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2020. The objective was to identify which industrial sectors for the highest and lowest levels of inequality and average income. The analysis was conducted by using data from the Labor Force Survey from the National Statistical Office via the Gini Index to measure inequality across 80 industrial sectors. The findings revealed that the sector with the lowest income inequality was the wholesale and retail trade sector, including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair Gini index decrease 33.52 percent and average income increase 483.10 baht , followed by the machinery and equipment manufacturing sector Gini index decrease 20.79 percent and average income decrease 1,593.76 baht. In contrast, the sector with the highest income inequality was the waste collection, treatment, and disposal sector Gini index increase 29.83 percent and average income increase 836.80 baht , followed by the travel agency and tour operator sector Gini index increase 26.63 percent and average income decrease 6,125.98 baht. The findings could suggest that many people should adapt to living with COVID-19. For industrial sectors, the government should focus on promoting and supporting employment and workforce skill development as priorities.