Executives still hopeful, write Post reporters
With Thailand’s economy in 2026 projected to grow modestly at around 1.5%, several business sectors have begun preparing for potential headwinds — some persisting from last year and others emerging as new risks, particularly with a planned general election in February.
Most executives in key economic sectors remain vigilant, hopeful that conditions could improve if a new government accelerates policies that effectively stabilise the economy.
Natural disasters pose increasing risks for banks
Natural disasters are becoming more common, posing growing challenges to banking operations and requiring banks to incorporate them into their risk management approaches, according to the chief of the Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA).
New administration may lift automotive momentum
The arrival of a new government in 2026 could provide much‑needed momentum for Thailand’s automotive sector, which continues to grapple with sluggish consumer spending and fallout from the Thai‑Cambodian border dispute, according to Noriaki Yamashita, president of Toyota Motor Thailand.
Minor sees opportunity to focus on quality over quantity
Thailand’s tourism this year should continue to be resilient and adaptable, which are among its greatest strengths, although arrivals in 2025 dipped from 2024, says Minor International.
Property market on course for further stagnation
Developers face a prolonged period of economic uncertainty heading into 2026, with household debt, weak purchasing power and unpredictable risks shaping business decisions, says Kessara Thanyalakpark, managing director of SET-listed Sena Development.
Online shopping to keep growing at breakneck pace
Thailand’s e-commerce sector is expected to continue to grow by 15% annually, despite high household debt.
Call for more stimulus to revive flagging economy
With global and domestic headwinds pressuring the Thai economy this year, the new government should consider “focused domestic intervention” measures to enhance tourism and attract foreign investments in specific sectors, says the Thai unit of German insurer Allianz.
Competitiveness hinges on embracing sustainability
While the global economy is set to stabilise this year, uncertainty lingers given shifting trade policies, tariff structures and the urgent need for climate action.
Climate change reshaping economic outlook
Climate change is no longer limited to shifting weather patterns, but is a growing force reshaping Thailand’s economic outlook in 2026, according to Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya, chief executive of Global Carbon Corporation, a local greenhouse gas management consultancy.
Digital growth to support static prospects in 2026
Thailand’s challenging economic outlook in 2026 is partly offset by continued growth in the digital economy and a much-needed digital transformation of large and mid-sized companies, according to Sigve Brekke, group chief executive of True Corporation.
Foreign investment must be a priority
In addition to short-term stimulus measures to revitalise a subdued economy, the new government should prioritise long-term structural and growth-oriented strategies to lift Thailand’s competitiveness, particularly compared with neighbouring countries, says the Thai unit of crypto exchange giant Binance.