Thailand prepares for challenges as economic power struggles heat up global risks
The Global Risks Report 2026 highlights economic warfare as the biggest global threat, and Thailand's strategy to strengthen its role in digital trade and investment at WEF 2026 as the country faces mounting geopolitical tensions.
Amid the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, between January 19-23, the Global Risks Report 2026 unveiled a major shift in global concerns. For the first time, economic warfare topped the list of global risks, overtaking traditional armed conflicts. The report, which surveyed over 1,300 experts, indicated that the use of economic tools and trade as weapons between nations is intensifying, posing a serious challenge to global stability.
The Global Risks Report reveals that economic geopolitical tensions are now the number-one concern, with countries using economic measures to gain advantages. This comes amid ongoing trade wars, and environmental risks such as severe weather still loom. For Thailand, this means bracing for the impact of these international shifts and finding ways to strengthen its position in the global economy.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas joined the WEF 2026 to expand cooperation and showcase Thailand’s role on the global stage, while Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun highlighted Thailand’s efforts in promoting ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). This framework, led by Thailand, is the world’s first regional digital economy agreement aimed at boosting digital trade, reducing inequality, protecting personal data, ensuring cybersecurity, and supporting small businesses (SMEs).
A Push for Digital Collaboration
Suphajee emphasised that the aim is not just to "recode" global trade rules but to create a system that is open, inclusive, flexible, and sustainable. At the same time, Thailand is preparing to host the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in October 2026, aiming to solidify its position as a hub for digital investment in cloud computing and AI technologies.
Thailand also engaged in talks with top tech executives from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), HCL Technologies, and TikTok to boost digital infrastructure investments in the country, positioning it as a future-ready economic hub.
Global Cooperation and Sustainability
In addition, Suphajee discussed the country’s cooperation with Dr Christopher J. Elias of the Gates Foundation, focusing on sustainable development, human capital investment, and enhancing resilience to new global risks—issues that are especially relevant for developing nations.
Thailand's participation in the WEF 2026 highlighted its efforts to build multilateral partnerships through digital economy cooperation under DEFA, as well as prepare for the IMF and World Bank events, all while managing the growing economic geopolitical tensions.
However, despite these efforts, experts warn that economic tensions are likely to escalate over the next two years, and Thailand’s strategies will be tested as it navigates a complex and unpredictable global landscape.
In conclusion, Thailand’s role in digital economy cooperation is set to play a significant part in the nation's ability to thrive amid rising global economic challenges. How successful these efforts will be remains to be seen, with experts urging the country to continue adapting to the shifting geopolitical and economic landscape.
