Nation Thailand
Thai GDP outlook rises but SMEs face widening divide
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 outlet. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) has raised its 2026 economic growth forecast for Thailand to 2.1-2.5%, from 1.6-2.0%, but warned that stronger exports and private investment are producing increasingly uneven benefits across the economy.
Key facts
- The committee also lifted its export growth forecast to 12-16%, up from its previous projection of 8-10%, after both exports and private investment expanded more strongly than expected.
- According to the JSCCIB, global crude oil prices reached US$95 a barrel in early September 2026, up from US$84 a barrel in July, while worldwide oil inventories continued to decline.
- In earlier periods, average export growth of about 14% and investment growth of 10% were associated with GDP expansion of approximately 6-7%, the JSCCIB said
- Output among foreign-owned businesses in those industries declined by as much as 19%, with Japanese companies particularly affected.
- Every 100 megawatts of data-centre investment represents more than THB60 billion in investment value, but the JSCCIB said the country must create stronger links from upstream suppliers to downstream businesses through vertical integration.
- The JSCCIB has monitored Thailand’s K-shaped economic structure since June 2026, examining exports, production and company financial statements by industry, business nationality and company size.
Summary
The committee also lifted its export growth forecast to 12-16%, up from its previous projection of 8-10%, after both exports and private investment expanded more strongly than expected.
Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association, announced the revisions after a JSCCIB meeting involving the association, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.