China · European Union · Thai Examiner
Economy dominated by geopolitics turning its back on small concerns. Commerce Minister’s warning
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Thailand’s economy is booming on paper but leaving thousands of smaller firms behind, as exports surge, investment jumps and big corporations capture up to 90% of export growth. Ministers now warn of a dangerous two-speed economy amid rising global r
Key facts
- Thailand’s economy is booming on paper but leaving thousands of smaller firms behind, as exports surge, investment jumps and big corporations capture up to 90% of export growth
- Behind soaring exports, rising investment and stronger GDP growth lies a widening divide, with large corporations capturing up to 90% of export growth while many SMEs struggle for finance, technology and market access
- Against this backdrop, Thailand’s economy expanded by 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026
- Earlier, growth reached 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025
- Thailand warned to reinvent its economy as global trade tensions, climate risks and costs intensify
- Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Five Regional Chambers of Commerce, Ms Supajee described the situation as unprecedented
Summary
Thailand’s economy may be growing faster than expected, but Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan has warned that the recovery is increasingly turning its back on small business concerns. Behind soaring exports, rising investment and stronger GDP growth lies a widening divide, with large corporations capturing up to 90% of export growth while many SMEs struggle for finance, technology and market access.
Thailand’s economic recovery is increasingly benefiting large corporations while leaving many smaller firms behind, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan warned on Monday.