Economy
World Bank Report Outlines Path to High-Income Status for Thailand
A new World Bank report suggests that Thailand can achieve high-income status within a decade by unlocking the economic potential of secondary cities.
On September 22, 2026, the World Bank released a report titled 'Thailand Cities of the Future: Urban Foundations for a High-Income Economy.' The study highlights that urban areas were the primary drivers of Thailand's economic growth between 2010 and 2020, accounting for approximately 89% of GDP growth.
According to the report, to reach high-income status by 2037, Thailand needs to maintain an average GDP per capita growth of 5.4% annually over the next decade. Stephen Ndegwa, World Bank Country Director for Thailand and Myanmar, emphasized that the strategy is not merely about urban planning but about enhancing competitiveness, job creation, and resilience. The report suggests that secondary cities must play a more significant role in supporting Bangkok to drive productivity and investment.
For residents and expatriates, this shift may signal future infrastructure developments and economic decentralization efforts across various provinces. While the report provides a strategic roadmap, it remains to be seen how the Thai government will implement these urban development policies and what specific incentives will be introduced to attract investment to secondary cities. The report serves as a long-term economic outlook rather than an immediate change in policy.
