The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce is maintaining its GDP growth forecast for 2024 at 2.6%, with the service and tourism sectors being the main drivers. Exports are projected to grow by 4.6%, government spending by 1.6%, and public investment by 2%.
Thanawat stated that at the beginning of 2025, the government will implement economic stimulus measures, including the second phase of distributing 10,000 baht to senior citizens. This initiative is expected to inject approximately 40 billion baht into the economy. Additionally, the “you fight, we help” programme, which offers interest payment suspension and principal reduction, for which registration began on December 12 and runs until February 28, is anticipated to take effect by the end of the first quarter.
The University estimates that the annual economic circulation from these measures will amount to at least 80-100 billion baht in savings for the public, enabling banks to extend more loans.
The 1,000 baht per rai assistance programme for farmers is also expected to inject around 40 billion baht into the system.