The Deloitte’s 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey on Thailand reveals that 65% of Generation Z respondents and 57% of millennials have delayed milestones like parenthood, further education, or launching a business due to their financial situations. These figures sit well above the global averages of 55% for Gen Z and 52% for millennials.
The survey, which polled 301 respondents in Thailand (200 Gen Zs and 101 millennials), highlights growing financial anxiety. Young adults in Thailand reported greater concern about their economic futures than many of their global peers, forcing them to place a higher premium on stability and work-life balance.
Housing affordability has emerged as one of the steepest obstacles. An overwhelming 94% of Thai Gen Z respondents and 85% of millennials said the cost and availability of housing directly dictate their career choices and where they can work. This vastly outpaces the global averages of 69% for Gen Z and 64% for millennials.
The general cost of living remains the top concern for both generations for the fifth consecutive year, with 34% of Thai Gen Zs and 45% of millennials identified it as their primary worry, reflecting persistent pressure on day-to-day household finances.
People shop at a market in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 2, 2023. Photo by Reuters |
Young Thais are becoming much more cautious about taking on long-term commitments. Rather than following traditional timelines for marriage and parenthood, they are prioritizing personal financial security.
Despite their professional ambitions, work-life balance and job stability remain paramount. Work-life balance was cited as a driving career factor for 23% of Gen Zs and 27% of millennials, while job stability was prioritized by 23% of Gen Zs and 21% of millennials.
Many view traditional leadership roles with caution, citing concerns about stress, burnout, and poor work-life balance as major barriers to climbing the corporate ladder.
The insights are part of Deloitte’s 15th annual Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey, which gathered data from 22,595 respondents (14,384 Gen Zs and 8,211 millennials) across 44 countries between Nov. 24, 2025, and Jan. 15, 2026.
Gen Z respondents were defined as those born between January 1995 and December 2007, and millennials as those born between January 1983 and December 1994.
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