The World Bank Group's latest Thailand Economic Monitor, released on February 14, 2025, sheds light on key trends and challenges shaping the nation's future. Here are the highlights from the event:
Economic Growth Slows, but Global Spotlight Awaits! While growth is expected to slow by 2026, Thailand is set to capture global attention as it hosts the World Bank and IMF meetings that year.
Rising Focus on Investment and Innovation: Thailand is a growing hub for critical sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centres and chip manufacturing, with the support of a stable energy supply. These sectors are poised to drive the country's future economic development.
Challenges to Growth: Despite its potential, Thailand faces significant challenges in its post-COVID upswing, with geopolitics, trade uncertainty and energy price volatility threatening the stability of growth.
Supporting SMEs and Innovation: In order to boost productivity, it's essential that policies prioritise support for SMEs, innovation and technology adoption. Thailand's competitiveness on the global stage will be further enhanced by a more attractive business environment and the development of skilled talent.
Recommendations for Long-Term Growth: To achieve sustainable growth, the World Bank Group is committed to: increased public investment, direct support for low-income households and encouraging higher female labor force participation.
Thailand's growth trajectory is set for a transformational change with the right investments and the right policy framework. The future holds great promise for innovation and economic resilience!
