The awareness and behavior related to money saving of undergraduate students in Bangkok

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the awareness and saving behavior of undergraduate students in Bangkok. The data were collected from a sample of 400 students currently studying in public and private universities in Bangkok and nearby metropolitan areas. These students represented 87 academic disciplines across 38 faculties from 13 universities. A questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, and mean.

The findings revealed that most respondents were aged between 18 and 24 years, with an average monthly income of 9,163.75 Baht, average monthly expenses of 7,687.12 Baht, and an average amount of savings of 8,315.75 Baht per person. Approximately 50% of the students reported receiving income solely from parents, family members, or sponsors, while 30% reported receiving income both from these sources and part-time jobs. In terms of awareness, the respondents generally showed a high level of agreement with most statements regarding the importance of saving. However, a moderate level of agreement was observed for the statement, “It is difficult to make a spending and saving plan,” even though a lower level of agreement would have been expected. Regarding saving behavior, less than half of the respondents reported having a financial plan. Most students saved money by depositing it in bank accounts or keeping it as cash. Additionally, nearly 30% of the respondents had not made any savings plans. Among those who did save, the main purposes were to purchase desired items, cover emergency or medical expenses, and fund travel.