Thai business group raises 2026 growth forecast

Thailand's economy ​is expected to ​grow ‌2.4% to 2.6% this year, up from a ​previous forecast of ⁠2.1% to 2.5%, a ‌leading business group said on Wednesday.

Thailand's exports, a ⁠key growth driver, were forecast to rise 18% to 22%, the ​Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry ​and ‌Banking (JSCCIB) said, a sharp increase ​from ⁠its previous projection of a ⁠12% to 16% increase.

Southeast Asia's second-largest economy ⁠expanded 2.4% ​last year, trailing its regional peers.

Last week, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) also upgraded its economic growth forecasts for this year and next, supported by stronger momentum in exports and private investment.

The central bank on Sunday raised its 2026 Thai GDP growth forecast to 2.4% from 2.3%, and for 2027 to 2.1% from 1.8%, according to Don Nakornthab, secretary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

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