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Abstract

This study investigates the debt capacity of early-career individuals and the factors influencing their debt accumulation in Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province. The sample comprises 426 respondents from four main occupational groups: government officials or state enterprise employees, business owners or self-employed individuals, private company employees, and farmers. The study is structured into three parts: Part 1 examines general information about the debtors, Part 2 focuses on the employment characteristics and income of the debtors, and Part 3 identifies factors influencing the debt capacity of early-career individuals using the Tobit model The results indicate that the general characteristics and family status of the respondents impact their debt capacity differently across occupational groups. The sample includes 245 men and 181 women, with the majority aged between 26-29 years. Most are married or cohabiting without registration, live in their own homes or condos, save less than 5,000 baht per month on average, and do not have the responsibility of supporting a family. When categorizing debt capacity by occupation, distinct patterns emerge. Government and state enterprise employees have a monthly income range of 15,001–25,000 baht. Despite their stable income, they often fall short of their monthly expenses due to high living costs and existing debt repayments. Their debts are mainly in credit card/cash card debts, averaging 33,242.86 baht, with a debt-to-income ratio of 31-40%. In contrast, business owners or self-employed individuals typically have an income exceeding 40,001 baht monthly, reflecting a generally stable financial status. Their debts are primarily sourced from commercial banks for car/motorcycle loans, averaging 149,428.60 baht, with a 21-30% debt-to-income ratio. Private company employees earn between 10,001 and 15,000 baht per month. Most in this group earn more than their monthly expenses and have credit card/cash card debts averaging 36,151.55 baht, with a 21-30% debt-to-income ratio. Farmers, earning between 10,001 and 15,000 baht per month, typically earn less than their monthly expenses. Only 45.71% have formal debts, mainly sourced from leasing companies and state banks, with car/motorcycle loans averaging 102,666.70 baht. The study identifies key factors influencing the debt capacity of early-career individuals, including stable occupations, income levels exceeding expenses, financial management or planning, and spending behavior. However, a significant drawback for this group is their low level of savings. Policy recommendations include promoting financial management education and training, developing appropriate credit policies, and encouraging savings among early-career individuals to enhance their debt capacity.