Thailand Targets 12 Trillion Baht Export Goal to Boost Economic Growth

According to Khaosod Online, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Supajee Suthumpun, has announced a strategic push to increase annual export value to 12 trillion baht. This initiative follows the National Economic and Social Development Council’s (NESDC) report that Thailand’s GDP grew by only 1.9% in the second quarter of 2026, a decline from the 2.8% growth recorded in the first quarter.

Minister Supajee attributed the economic slowdown to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up energy prices and the overall cost of living. To counter this, the Ministry is prioritizing the export sector as a primary engine for economic recovery. As part of these efforts, the Minister is scheduled to travel to the United States in late August to negotiate tax terms, with the goal of securing increased tax exemptions for Thai products.

For residents and travelers, this economic shift may signal potential fluctuations in the cost of goods and services as the government attempts to stabilize the economy through trade policy. While the government remains optimistic about achieving double-digit export growth for the year, the effectiveness of these upcoming trade negotiations remains to be confirmed. Observers will be watching to see if these measures can successfully offset the inflationary pressures currently impacting the domestic market.