Good News! NESDC Raises GDP Target to 2% with Strong Fourth Quarter Performance

Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), reported that Thailand's economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 expanded by 2.5%, higher than previous estimates. The growth was primarily supported by accelerated total investment, which grew by 8.1%, with private investment expanding by 6.5% and government investment surging by 13.3%. Overall goods and services exports grew by 5.6%, with goods exports specifically growing by 8.7%. However, tourism-related services contracted by 6.9%. The construction sector was another key driver, expanding by 11.2%, reflecting accelerated investment projects from both public and private sectors. Adjusting for seasonal effects, the Thai economy expanded by 1.9% compared to the previous quarter, recovering from the 0.3% contraction in the third quarter. For the entire year 2025, the GDP is expected to grow by 2.4%, compared to 2.9% in 2024. Looking ahead to 2026, the NESDC projects economic growth between 1.5-2.5%, with key supporting factors including continued private consumption and investment, increased government budget, tourism recovery, and favorable agricultural conditions.