Thai Enquirer
Thailand’s private sector raises 2026 growth forecast, urges digital reforms to capture AI investment
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Thailand’s leading private-sector business groups raised their economic growth forecast for 2026, citing stronger-than-expected exports and investment driven by the global artificial intelligence boom, while warning the country must improve data integration and increase domestic value creation to sustain long-term growth.
Key facts
- The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, revised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.6-2.0%, up
- Exports rose 17.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, led by technology goods, which account for 26.5% of total exports and expanded 45.9% from a year earlier
- Analysts expect foreign direct investment into ASEAN to exceed US$544 billion by 2038, with Thailand well positioned to attract a significant share, the committee said.
- Investment has also remained robust, with Board of Investment (BOI) applications reaching 1.47 trillion baht in the first six months of the year, up 37% from the same period last year.
Summary
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, revised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.6-2.0%, up from 1.2-1.6% projected in April-May. It also raised its export growth forecast to 8-10% from a previous contraction of 0.5-1.5%, while increasing its inflation outlook to 2.5-3.0%.
JSCCIB said Thailand’s economy has benefited from strong demand for technology products amid the global AI boom. Exports rose 17.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, led by technology goods, which account for 26.5% of total exports and expanded 45.9% from a year earlier. Investment has also remained robust, with Board of Investment (BOI) applications reaching 1.47 trillion baht in the first six months of the year, up 37% from the same period last year.