ADB predicts 1.8% GDP growth this year, focusing on strong exports and global energy

Prachachat•Economy•16d ago

Reader Briefing

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) anticipates Thailand's GDP to grow at 1.8% in 2026, maintaining its previous forecast despite strong exports, while closely monitoring global energy price pressures.

•The ADB has maintained its forecast for Thailand's GDP growth at 1.8% for 2026.
•Strong exports and private investment are positively impacting the Thai economy.
•Global energy crises and supply chain disruptions remain significant concerns.
•Inflation is projected to rise to 2.9% in 2026 due to cost pressures.

Overview

•The Asian Development Bank (ADB) released its Asian Development Outlook report for July 2026.
•The ADB forecasts Thailand's GDP to grow by 1.8% in 2026, unchanged from its April projection.
•The ADB projects inflation to increase to 2.9% in 2026 and 1.3% in 2027 due to cost pressures.
•Strong exports, private investment in technology and digital infrastructure, and government policies are supporting the Thai economy.
•The ADB highlights that global economic and international trade volatility, along with global energy crises, remain key areas of concern.
•The ADB has revised down its economic growth forecast for developing countries in Asia and the Pacific to 4.9% for 2026.
•The downward revision for the region is due to the prolonged disruption of global energy markets stemming from the Middle East conflict.
•The ADB has raised the regional inflation forecast for 2026 to 4.3% from 3.0% in 2025.

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Source: Prachachat (Original)

Key Quotes

Albert Park

"“Although developing economies in Asia and the Pacific can withstand economic shocks, prolonged pressure from the conflict necessitates careful policymaking to balance economic growth support with price stability.”"

“ แม้เศรษฐกิจของประเทศกำลังพัฒนาในภูมิภาคเอเชียและแปซิฟิกยังคงมีความสามารถในการรองรับแรงกระแทกทางเศรษฐกิจได้ดี แต่แรงกดดันที่ยืดเยื้อจากความขัดแย้งดังกล่าว ทำให้ผู้กำหนดนโยบายจำเป็นต้องดำเนินนโยบายอย่างรอบคอบ เพื่อสร้างสมดุลระหว่างการสนับสนุนการขยายตัวทางเศรษฐกิจกับการรักษาเสถียรภาพด้านราคา”

Key Entities

Organization

Asian Development Bank(ADB)ℹ️

The international development finance institution that published the economic outlook report for Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region.

Person

Chief Economist of ADB(ประธานนักเศรษฐศาสตร์ประจำเอดีบี)

The official title of Albert Park, who provided commentary on the economic forecasts and risks.

Albert Park(นายอัลเบิร์ต พาร์ค)

The Chief Economist of ADB who commented on the economic outlook and policy recommendations.