World Bank outlines roadmap for Thailand's high-income goal

BANGKOK, Sept 3 (TNA) - Thailand can reach high-income status by 2037 if it boosts productivity and shifts toward higher-value industries, according to a report released by the World Bank Group on Thursday.

The report, titled "Building Thailand’s Future Today" and launched at the Bangkok Business Summit 2026, states that achieving a high-income economy will require an annual GDP per capita growth rate of 5.4 percent.

To achieve this, the bank recommends accelerating technology adoption, fostering innovation, and increasing competition among firms. The report identifies five key sectors with potential for higher-value growth: advanced manufacturing, sustainable and wellness tourism, digital services, agrifood, and creative industries.

"Thailand has achieved transformative growth within a generation before, and it can do so again," Stephen N. Ndegwa, World Bank Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar, said in the report.

The World Bank emphasized that future economic competitiveness will depend on skills, technology, and know-how rather than low wages. It called for improved training in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and artificial intelligence to strengthen the country's workforce.

The report also highlights the need to boost secondary cities to expand economic development across regions, while enhancing Bangkok's role as an innovative and sustainable hub.

The findings come ahead of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Annual Meetings scheduled to take place in Bangkok in October. -819 (TNA)