Financial Institutions Raise Thailand 2026 GDP Growth Forecasts
Financial institutions and the Bank of Thailand increased 2026 GDP growth forecasts following a manufacturing index overhaul that includes AI-related exports.
Several financial institutions and the central bank have raised Thailand's 2026 GDP growth forecasts following an overhaul of the national manufacturing production index. The revised gauge now incorporates newer factories and fast-growing AI-related products, including optical transceivers, laptops, and backup-power equipment. These exports accounted for approximately 802 billion baht last year.
Kiatnakin Phatra Securities increased its growth forecast to 2.8%, while Krungthai Compass and Standard Chartered raised their projections to 2.6% and 2.3%, respectively. The Bank of Thailand has already adjusted its 2026 growth forecast upward to 2.4%. Experts suggest these measured increases are unlikely to trigger higher interest rates.
Analysts warn that this growth is uneven and heavily concentrated in electronics exports. Domestic consumption remains sluggish, hampered by high household debt. Thailand's economic planning agency is expected to release official third-quarter GDP data and new projections on November 16.
