The Thai economy in the first quarter of 2026 expanded by 2.8 percent, accelerating from 2.5 percent in the previous quarter, according to the report “Gross Domestic Product of Thailand: Q1/2026,” issued by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul was pleased with the GDP growth in the first quarter, which showed signs of a continuous recovery. This also demonstrates that the Government is on the right track in tackling economic issues,

In this report, the agricultural sector increased by 1.2 percent, accelerating from 0.6 percent in the previous quarter. The non-agricultural sector expanded by 3.0 percent, rising from 2.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

On the expenditure side, private final consumption expenditure continued to expand at a satisfactory pace, while government final consumption expenditure, gross fixed capital formation, and exports of goods and services accelerated.

Private investment increased by 10.1 percent, accelerating from 6.5% in the previous quarter. The positive result was driven by an increase in investment in both machinery and equipment as well as construction. Overall exports to key trading partners, such as the United States, Europe, and ASEAN expanded. On the other hand, exports to Japan and Middle East decreased.

Ms. Rachada said that the Government was preparing to seek new export markets in Africa and the Middle East in order to diversify risk and provide new opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs. It would also issue various measures to reduce production costs for farmers and low-income earners, while stimulating the local economy across the country.

She stressed that measures to be implemented, under the Emergency Loan Decree, would help ease impacts on people’s living costs and sustain economic growth through many projects, such as the “Thais Help Thais” scheme and the restructuring of Thailand’s energy sector to reduce vulnerability and strengthen energy security in the long run.

The Government is confident that Thailand’s economic growth in 2026 will achieve the target of about 2 percent.