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Thai GDP in 2025: A Question of Recovery

Thai GDP in 2025: A Question of Recovery

Prachachat•Economy•15h ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's 2.4% GDP growth in 2025 falls short of potential, raising concerns about chronic economic illness despite leaving 'ICU'.

  • •Thailand's GDP grew by 2.4% in 2025, a slowdown from 2.9% in 2024, indicating a lack of full economic recovery.
  • •High household debt and weak private consumption are identified as major drags on the economy.
  • •Thailand lags behind regional competitors like Vietnam (8.0% growth) in 2025, earning it the 'Sick Man of Asia' label.
  • •Structural issues including an aging society, lack of high-tech investment, and persistent household debt are hindering growth.
  • •GDP in 2026 is forecast to be between 2.5%-2.8%, with global economic headwinds and geopolitical conflicts adding to concerns.

Overview

  • •Thailand's GDP in 2025 expanded by 2.4%.
  • •This growth rate in 2025 is a slowdown from 2.9% in 2024.
  • •Private consumption's slowdown, stemming from high household debt, is a key factor hindering full economic potential.
  • •Vietnam achieved a significant 8.0% growth in 2025.
  • •Dr. Ek-niti Nitithanprapas stated that Thailand has left the 'ICU' but needs to regain strength.
  • •Structural issues like an aging society, lagging high-tech investment, and household debt are identified as fundamental problems.
  • •The Financial Times labels Thailand the 'sick man of Asia' due to its slow recovery.
  • •Thailand's GDP is projected to grow between 2.5% - 2.8% in 2026.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Source: Prachachat (Original)

Key Quotes

Dr. Ek-niti Nitithanprapas
"As 'Doctor Ek,' I see that our patient has left the ICU, but the next challenge is how to make the patient strong again."
ในฐานะ ‘หมอเอก’ ผมมองว่าวันนี้คนป่วยของเราออกจาก ICU แล้ว แต่โจทย์ถัดไปคือจะทำอย่างไรให้คนป่วยกลับมาเข้มแข็งอีกครั้ง
Dr. Ek-niti Nitithanprapas
"We must start exercising, strengthening the body to prepare for 'running,' which will be a crucial factor we must continue."
เราต้องเริ่มให้ออกกำลังกาย ทำร่างกายให้แข็งแรงเพื่อเตรียมพร้อมสำหรับ ‘การวิ่ง’ ซึ่งนี่จะเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่เราต้องทำต่อเนื่อง

Key Entities

Organization

Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC)(สภาพัฒนาการเศรษฐกิจและสังคมแห่งชาติ (สศช.))ℹ️
The Thai government agency that released GDP figures for 2025 and analyzes economic performance.
World Economic Forumℹ️
An international organization that published the Chief Economists' Outlook report.
The Financial Timesℹ️
A global financial media outlet that referred to Thailand as the 'sick man of Asia'.
Bank of Thailand (BOT)(ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย (ธปท.))ℹ️
Thai central bank contributing to economic potential estimates.

Person

Dr. Ek-niti Nitithanprapas(ดร.เอกนิติ นิติทัณฑ์ประภาศ)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand, who commented on the economy's recovery status.

Place

ASEAN-5
A group of major Southeast Asian economies used for regional comparison.
Vietnam(เวียดนาม)ℹ️
A Southeast Asian country noted for its high economic growth of 8.0% in 2025.
India(อินเดีย)ℹ️
A South Asian country highlighted for its strong economic growth, reaching 8.2% quarterly and expected to average 6-7% annually.
Philippines(ฟิลิปปินส์)ℹ️
A Southeast Asian country with a 4.4% growth rate, driven by domestic consumption and the BPO sector.
Indonesia(อินโดนีเซีย)ℹ️
A Southeast Asian country leveraging its natural resources, particularly nickel, to drive GDP growth over 5.1%.
Japan(ญี่ปุ่น)ℹ️
A developed Asian country experiencing economic saturation, used as a benchmark for lower growth.
South Korea(เกาหลีใต้)ℹ️
A developed Asian country experiencing economic saturation, used as a benchmark for lower growth.