Anutin expects Thai GDP growth to exceed 2.1% in 2026

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence on 24 October 2026 that Thailand’s economy would grow by more than 2.1% this year, citing improvements in investment, exports, employment and tax receipts. Anutin has asked the state planning agency to reassess the projection. Anutin made the remarks on the “Talk with The Anutin Cabinet” programme, arguing that stronger economic indicators warranted a fresh examination of the growth outlook.

Anutin asks planners to reassess growth assumptions

Anutin instructed the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) to review the calculations, assumptions and data behind the gross domestic product (GDP) growth projection.

According to Anutin, the planning agency subsequently reported that the economic picture had improved and was assessing how much to raise the forecast. Anutin also proposed consulting the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries and other relevant businesses before announcing a revised figure.

“Thailand’s GDP growth this year will definitely not be 2.1%,” Anutin said on 24 October.

Citing information provided to him, Anutin said foreign investment in the first half of 2026 was about 30% higher than the total for 2025.

Anutin also cited export growth of more than 20%, which he said had approached 25% at one point.

Higher corporate and personal income tax receipts, together with spending generated by economic stimulus measures, further supported Anutin’s view that the 2.1% projection understated Thailand’s performance.

Anutin argued that growth estimates affect investor confidence and financing costs. Being viewed as a low-growth economy could restrict Thailand’s investment opportunities, while stronger figures could support fundraising and influence foreign investors’ decisions.

Thailand’s investment pitch centres on skills and connectivity

Anutin wants Thailand to compete for investment through workforce capabilities, transport, logistics, market access and regional supply chains, rather than low wages, cheap electricity or contract assembly work that generates little beyond labour income.

“If you are coming to Thailand for cheap labour, you have come to the wrong place,” Anutin said.

Thailand’s transport network and access to the sea on both sides of the country offer investors connections by road, rail, air and sea, Anutin said. A base in Thailand would provide access to a domestic market of about 70 million people and the wider Association of Southeast Asian Nations market of around 700 million.

The government believes infrastructure investment over the past 10–20 years is beginning to generate economic returns, Anutin said. Anutin cited double-track and high-speed rail projects, together with planned connections linking Nong Khai, Laos and southern China, and extending south through Thailand towards Malaysia, as foundations for a regional distribution base.

Anutin said the government’s overseas visits were intended to expand trade, investment and cooperation by presenting Thailand as a capable trading partner, rather than a country asking for assistance.

The government expected to advance trade agreements with the United States, Europe, Central Europe, the United Arab Emirates and Central Asia, Anutin said. Visits to Australia and New Zealand had also helped resolve some obstacles under existing agreements and opened opportunities for further cooperation.

Government plans household sales of surplus clean electricity

The government wants households to generate clean electricity for their own use and sell surplus power back to the state electricity grid, Anutin said. The proposed approach would reduce household expenses, provide longer-term income and make additional electricity available for industry or public services.

“When every household sells its surplus electricity back, we will also have power to supply industry,” Anutin said.

Despite pressure on oil prices from conflict in the Middle East, Thailand had not experienced an oil supply shortage, Anutin said. Reducing oil consumption and using more electricity and renewable energy would help strengthen the country’s energy stability.

Anutin links global financial meetings to investment opportunities

Hosting the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Bangkok created opportunities for bilateral discussions, business matching and international cooperation, Anutin said.

Anutin argued that the event strengthened confidence in Thailand’s security, services and ability to host major international gatherings, including the capabilities of Thai personnel.

The government wants to build on the meetings to support investment, tourism and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry, Anutin said. Economic figures that accurately reflect Thailand’s potential would also help the country compete for investment amid rapid changes in geopolitics and the global economy.