Thailand’s Economy Defies Forecasts with 2.4 Percent Growth in 2025
Stronger-than-expected expansion underscores resilience in tourism, exports and domestic demand under government’s economic stewardship
Thailand’s economy expanded by 2.4 percent in 2025, outperforming several market forecasts and reinforcing confidence in the country’s recovery trajectory.
Official data released this week show that growth was supported by a sustained rebound in tourism, firmer export performance and steady domestic consumption, even as global economic conditions remained uneven.
The tourism sector remained a central driver of momentum, with international arrivals climbing steadily throughout the year.
Revenue from hospitality, transport and retail services helped lift employment and household income, contributing to broader consumption gains.
Officials highlighted that targeted measures to promote year-round tourism and diversify visitor markets played a meaningful role in supporting the sector’s performance.
Exports also showed renewed stability after a period of global trade volatility.
Manufacturing shipments to key Asian markets and select Western economies improved in the second half of the year, helping offset external headwinds.
Public investment in infrastructure and digital connectivity further underpinned growth, as the government maintained a focus on long-term competitiveness and productivity enhancement.
On the domestic front, consumer spending benefited from policy initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and bolstering purchasing power.
Financial authorities reported manageable inflation levels and stable monetary conditions, providing an environment conducive to sustained economic activity.
While growth of 2.4 percent remains moderate by historical standards, analysts noted that it exceeded earlier projections and signals underlying resilience in Thailand’s economic fundamentals.
External risks, including global interest-rate shifts and geopolitical uncertainty, continue to warrant close monitoring.
However, policymakers expressed confidence that coordinated fiscal and structural measures will support momentum in the coming year.
The latest figures arrive as Thailand positions itself to capitalize on regional integration initiatives and investment flows across Southeast Asia.
With tourism strengthening and exports stabilizing, officials view the 2025 performance as a foundation for continued progress and broader economic transformation.
Official data released this week show that growth was supported by a sustained rebound in tourism, firmer export performance and steady domestic consumption, even as global economic conditions remained uneven.
The tourism sector remained a central driver of momentum, with international arrivals climbing steadily throughout the year.
Revenue from hospitality, transport and retail services helped lift employment and household income, contributing to broader consumption gains.
Officials highlighted that targeted measures to promote year-round tourism and diversify visitor markets played a meaningful role in supporting the sector’s performance.
Exports also showed renewed stability after a period of global trade volatility.
Manufacturing shipments to key Asian markets and select Western economies improved in the second half of the year, helping offset external headwinds.
Public investment in infrastructure and digital connectivity further underpinned growth, as the government maintained a focus on long-term competitiveness and productivity enhancement.
On the domestic front, consumer spending benefited from policy initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and bolstering purchasing power.
Financial authorities reported manageable inflation levels and stable monetary conditions, providing an environment conducive to sustained economic activity.
While growth of 2.4 percent remains moderate by historical standards, analysts noted that it exceeded earlier projections and signals underlying resilience in Thailand’s economic fundamentals.
External risks, including global interest-rate shifts and geopolitical uncertainty, continue to warrant close monitoring.
However, policymakers expressed confidence that coordinated fiscal and structural measures will support momentum in the coming year.
The latest figures arrive as Thailand positions itself to capitalize on regional integration initiatives and investment flows across Southeast Asia.
With tourism strengthening and exports stabilizing, officials view the 2025 performance as a foundation for continued progress and broader economic transformation.
