BANGKOK, Thailand – The government remains confident in Thailand’s economic outlook despite external challenges and recent rating adjustments.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized Thailand’s resilience and preparedness in her keynote address at the “Mission Thailand” TNN Dinner Talk event. She stated that despite the recent downgrade in Thailand’s credit outlook by Moody’s Ratings, the move was merely an opinion—not an official rating—and reflected global concerns over U.S. tariff measures, not the country’s actual performance. She noted that similar situations occurred in 2008 and Thailand recovered.
The Prime Minister acknowledged global and domestic economic pressures such as trade barriers, national debt, and political friction. However, she affirmed that the government has laid out strategic plans for economic growth, including short-term debt relief programs and long-term investments in targeted infrastructure that connect Thailand to global markets.
She also addressed efforts to revitalize tourism through new initiatives such as entertainment complexes, clarifying they are not synonymous with casinos. The government plans to regulate such ventures strictly, ensuring responsible investment, legal safeguards, and foreign capital participation. Fiscal prudence is now a priority, with ministries required to use their budgets effectively.
Finally, she highlighted the importance of ASEAN cooperation and behind-the-scenes negotiations with global partners, affirming that skilled government and private sector teams are working to minimize impacts and maximize national benefits. Economic stability remains the core mission of her administration. (NNT)
