Nation Thailand
Thailand’s Q2 GDP growth eases to 1.9% despite strong investment
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◌ Single Source
Thailand’s economy expanded by 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, slowing from growth of 2.8% in the first quarter, according to figures released by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) on Monday (August 17).
Key facts
- Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the NESDC, reported that total investment remained a major source of growth, rising 9.1%
- Public debt at the end of March 2026 totalled 12.9 trillion baht, equivalent to 66.9% of GDP.
- Looking ahead, the NESDC expects Thailand’s economy to expand by 2.0–2.5% in 2026, with a midpoint forecast of 2.2%
- The value of goods exports grew by 17.6%, while export volume rose 13.7%, led by growth in electronics and electrical appliances in line with global demand.
- The value of goods imports surged 42.3% and import volume rose 27.7%, pushing the current-account balance back into a deficit equivalent to 12% of GDP during the quarter.
- Tourism continued to expand, generating total revenue of 663 billion baht, up 6.3% from the previous quarter
Summary
Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the NESDC, reported that total investment remained a major source of growth, rising 9.1%. Private investment increased by 13.4%, driven by spending on machinery, equipment and vehicles, while public investment contracted by 1.6%.
International trade also provided support. The value of goods exports grew by 17.6%, while export volume rose 13.7%, led by growth in electronics and electrical appliances in line with global demand.