The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has officially announced that Thailand’s economy grew by 2.4% in 2025. This figure exceeded previous expectations, driven by a strong performance in the fourth quarter, which saw a 2.5% increase. Looking ahead, the agency has also revised its growth forecast for 2026 to 2.0%, with an expected range between 1.5% and 2.5%.

Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the NESDC, revealed on 16 February that the 2.5% growth in the final quarter was supported by improvements across all sectors. Key drivers included a 5.6% rise in exports and an 8.1% increase in total investment, with government investment jumping significantly by 13.3%. Additionally, private consumption increased by 3.3% and government consumption rose by 1.3%. Production sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and tourism-related services also showed positive trends during the final months of the year.

The total annual growth of 2.4% surpassed the NESDC’s original target of 2%. While private and government consumption slowed down in comparison with 2024, other areas showed a remarkable recovery. Total investment bounced back to a 4.9% expansion, which is a major improvement from the 0.3% contraction seen in the previous year. Goods exports were also a highlight, growing by 11.9%, while the manufacturing sector returned to growth at 0.4%, recovering from a slight decline in 2024.

For 2026, the NESDC has raised its growth target from an average of 1.7% to 2.0%. This adjustment is based on several supporting factors, including steady domestic demand, an increase in government budgets, and the ongoing rebound of the tourism and service sectors. Furthermore, favorable water levels are expected to support agricultural production. The council projects that private consumption and investment will grow by 2.1% and 1.9%, respectively, while export value is expected to increase by 2%, with a current account surplus of 2.4% of GDP.