ID :
712465
Mon, 02/16/2026 - 07:46
Auther :
TNA
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org/index.php//node/712465
The shortlink copeid

Thailand Raises 2026 Growth Forecast Amid Post-Election Optimism

BANGKOK, Feb 16 (TNA) - Thailand’s state planning agency has upwardly revised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 2.0%, up from a previous estimate of 1.7%, citing a recovery in exports and hopes for swift policy implementation by a new coalition government.

The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported on Monday that the economy grew by 2.4% in 2025, bolstered by a 2.5% expansion in the final quarter. Key drivers included a 5.6% jump in exports and an 11.2% rise in the construction sector.

NESDC Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan noted that the improved 2026 outlook hinges on political stability following the recent general election. With caretaker leader Anutin Charnvirakul currently negotiating a coalition between the Bhumjaithai Party, Pheu Thai, and smaller partners, officials hope a new government can be seated by April. Such a timeline would limit the delay of the fiscal 2027 budget to just two months, ensuring that critical stimulus funds enter the economic system by October.

The agency also significantly upgraded its trade outlook, flipping its export forecast from a 0.3% contraction to a 1.7% expansion. This optimism is further supported by a recovering tourism sector, with Thailand now targeting 35 million foreign arrivals in 2026. This influx is expected to generate 1.65 trillion baht in revenue, up from the 33 million visitors and 1.47 trillion baht recorded in 2025.

Despite the optimism, the NESDC warned of significant headwinds that could derail the modest recovery, including fluctuating world trade and the implementation of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Domestically, record-high household debt continues to stifle bank lending for automobiles and SMEs, while extreme weather patterns pose risks of floods and droughts. Mr. Danucha emphasized that maintaining fiscal discipline remains paramount, as it is a critical factor used by global agencies to determine the country’s credit rating. -819 (TNA)

 

 

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