SMEs propose tourism-led GDP boost for H2 economy

Matichon•Economy•4d ago

Reader Briefing

SMEs and government officials discuss economic stimulation strategies focusing on tourism and international cooperation with New Zealand.

•Ekniti Nitithandpraphas discussed economic relations and investment opportunities during a visit to New Zealand on August 22.
•The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) suggests tourism measures in Q4 could push annual GDP growth beyond the original 2.3% estimate.
•Wisit Limluecha of the Thai Chamber of Commerce urged structural adjustments and government spending to target 3% economic growth.

•Ekniti Nitithandpraphas visited New Zealand on August 22 to strengthen economic ties and attract investment.
•Ekniti Nitithandpraphas noted that Thai investors hold a 20% stake in Comvita and own leading hotels in New Zealand.
•Ekniti Nitithandpraphas and the Prime Minister of both countries aim to elevate cooperation via the Thailand-New Zealand FTA, including resuming Thai Airways direct flights to New Zealand.
•Anutin Charnvirakul and Ekniti Nitithandpraphas expressed dissatisfaction with the 2025 economic growth forecast of 2.2%.
•OSMEP believes government spending stimulus and the Q4 high season for tourism will benefit SMEs and support economic expansion.
•Wisit Limluecha reported that Thailand's Q2 2025 GDP grew by 1.9%, slowing from 2.8% in Q1.
•Wisit Limluecha suggested Thailand must develop human capabilities through upskilling and reskilling to achieve 3% growth.

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Ekniti Nitithandpraphas(เอกนิติ นิติทัณฑ์ประภาศ)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

Anutin Charnvirakul(อนุทิน ชาญวีรกูล)ℹ️

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Wisit Limluecha(วิศิษฐ์ ลิ้มลือชา)

Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

New Zealand(นิวซีแลนด์)ℹ️

Country visited by the Thai government to strengthen economic relations and investment.

Comvita

A quality honey business in which Thai investors hold a 20% stake.

Thai Airways(การบินไทย)ℹ️

Airline tasked with resuming direct flights to New Zealand.

Auckland Airport(ท่าอากาศยานโอ๊คแลนด์)ℹ️

Airport whose CEO is coordinating flight preparations with Thai authorities.

Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion(สำนักงานส่งเสริมวิสาหกิจขนาดกลางและขนาดย่อม)

Organization (OSMEP) providing support measures for SMEs to boost economic confidence.

Thai Chamber of Commerce(หอการค้าไทย)

Organization whose Vice Chairman suggested structural economic adjustments.

NESDC(สภาพัฒน์)

Agency that announced GDP figures for Q2 2025.

Thailand-New Zealand FTA(FTA ไทย-นิวซีแลนด์)

Agreement used to elevate cooperation between Thailand and New Zealand.