BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Commerce expects Thailand’s export growth to slow sharply in 2026 amid rising global uncertainty, while accelerating efforts to attract foreign direct investment with a target of at least 480 billion baht this year.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the country’s economic growth in 2025 remained below 2 percent, trailing several regional peers. While exports expanded last year due to accelerated shipments to the United States, that momentum is unlikely to continue. Export performance in 2026 is projected to be near zero growth or may contract as global demand softens and trade conditions remain volatile.
To offset these risks, the government is stepping up foreign investment promotion through the Board of Investment to secure at least 480 billion baht in actual investment. Minister Suphajee said progress will depend on close coordination between the public and private sectors, given fiscal limits on government spending.
On regional strategy, Suphajee stated that Thailand must strengthen its role within ASEAN and capitalize on its position as a regional hub. As ASEAN chair for digital economy negotiations, Thailand is advancing the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which seeks to expand the region’s digital economy to 2 trillion dollars by 2030. She added that the wider use of technology, including artificial intelligence, will be essential to upgrading workforce skills, boosting competitiveness, expanding market access, modernizing free trade agreements, and protecting domestic industries from unfair trade practices. (NNT)
