Thailand Ranks Fourth in ASEAN GDP Per Capita
The IMF's latest outlook places Thailand fourth in ASEAN GDP per capita at $8,370, well behind Malaysia's $15,980. Vietnam, growing at a projected 8.4%, may soon surpass Thailand, which is forecast to grow just 2.1%.
The IMF's October 2026 World Economic Outlook reveals GDP per capita data for 11 ASEAN nations. Singapore tops the list with $109,120 per person annually, far ahead of the region. Brunei follows at $40,610 and Malaysia at $15,980. Thailand ranks fourth with $8,370, less than half of Malaysia's figure and about 1.6 times Vietnam's $5,260 in fifth place. Indonesia ranks sixth at $5,150, Philippines seventh at $4,360, Cambodia eighth at $3,000, and Laos ninth at $2,330. Myanmar and Timor-Leste bring up the rear at $1,510 and $1,340 respectively.
A key concern is that while Thailand maintains fourth place, the gap with Malaysia remains significant. Meanwhile, competitors Vietnam and Indonesia are expanding faster and could overtake Thailand soon. The IMF projects Vietnam's 2026 growth at 8.4%, the highest in ASEAN, followed by Malaysia at 5.2%, Indonesia at 5.1%, and Singapore at 5.0%. Thailand's growth is forecast at only 2.1%.
