Economy
Standard Chartered Revises Thailand’s 2026 GDP Forecast to 1.6%
Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) has raised its 2026 economic growth projection for Thailand to 1.6%, citing potential for further upward adjustments based on upcoming second-quarter data.
According to a report by Prachachat Business, Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) has officially revised its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Thailand, increasing the projection to 1.6%. Tim Leelahaphan, a senior economist at the bank, indicated that this figure could see further upward revisions—an 'upside'—should the economic data for the second quarter perform better than current expectations.
For residents and travelers, this adjustment reflects a cautious but slightly more optimistic outlook on the Thai economy. While the bank acknowledges that the remainder of the year presents ongoing challenges, the revision suggests that the economic environment is being closely monitored for signs of recovery or stabilization.
What remains to be confirmed is the actual performance of the second-quarter economic indicators. The bank’s current stance emphasizes that while the 1.6% target is the baseline, the final outcome for the year remains subject to change based on these upcoming figures. Stakeholders are advised to watch for official government data releases, which will provide the necessary clarity on whether the economy will meet or exceed these revised expectations. As of now, the outlook for the rest of the year is characterized by the bank as remaining challenging.