JSCC Raises Thailand’s 2026 GDP Growth Forecast

According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCC) has revised its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Thailand upward to a range of 1.6% to 2%, an increase from the previous estimate of 1.2% to 1.6%. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association and head of the JSCC, attributed this adjustment to a stronger-than-expected recovery in exports and investment.

Specifically, the committee now expects export growth to reach 8–10%, a significant shift from earlier projections of a 0.5–1.5% contraction. This growth is largely fueled by the technology sector, which accounts for approximately 26.5% of total exports and saw a 45.9% increase in the first half of the year, largely due to global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Inflation is now projected to fall between 2.5% and 3%.

For residents and travelers, this economic uptick suggests a more robust business environment, though the JSCC warns that the outlook remains tempered by global uncertainties. The committee highlighted ongoing risks, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that could impact energy prices and inflation, as well as fluctuating global interest rates. While the current data indicates a positive trend, the long-term stability of this growth remains subject to how these global economic pressures evolve throughout the remainder of the year.