World Bank’s FY2027–2032 Thailand plan targets jobs in four sectors and a more competitive, resilient economy

The World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors has discussed a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Thailand for fiscal years 2027–2032, aimed at accelerating economic growth and job creation while improving competitiveness and strengthening the economy’s ability to withstand disruption. Building on more than 75 years of cooperation with Thailand, the framework will combine knowledge and support for reform with selective public-sector financing and efforts to encourage private investment. The World Bank Group said the partnership would support Thailand’s transition to high-income status.

Four sectors at the centre of the jobs strategy

The framework identifies four sectors with strong potential to create jobs: advanced manufacturing, sustainable tourism, digital value chains and agribusiness.

The first of its two main priorities is to strengthen private-sector competitiveness by helping businesses raise productivity, innovate, adopt digital technology and compete in regional and global markets. Support will also focus on improving small businesses’ access to finance, developing skills and promoting sustainable finance.

Stephen N. Ndegwa, the World Bank’s division director for Thailand and Myanmar, said the Bangkok Business Summit had demonstrated a shared commitment to move from analysis to action.

Ndegwa said the new framework would help translate that commitment into concrete investment, more and better jobs, stronger businesses and a greater capacity to cope with uncertainty.

Infrastructure and public finances to strengthen resilience

The framework’s second priority is to strengthen resilience as a foundation for growth, with support for water, transport and energy infrastructure, stronger public finances, preparedness for climate-related disasters and social protection.

Planned work includes managing flood and drought risks in the Chao Phraya basin. Transport investment would connect businesses and workers in less-developed regions with national markets.

The framework also aims to strengthen the fiscal foundations for growth through more effective revenue collection and more efficient public spending.

More balanced development across the country is another priority, with support intended to unlock the potential of secondary cities and regional economic corridors.

Private investment to support business expansion

Arnaud Dupoizat, division director for East Asia at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), said the partnership aimed to mobilise and facilitate private investment at scale, helping Thai businesses expand, innovate and create more quality jobs.

Dupoizat said the partnership would combine the strengths of the World Bank, IFC and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to support reforms and investments that raise productivity, broaden opportunities and strengthen resilience.

Bangkok prepares for October annual meetings

The new framework comes as Thailand prepares to host the International Monetary Fund–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok from October 12 to 18, 2026.

The meetings will provide a platform for Thailand to present its development vision, exchange experience and strengthen partnerships to advance inclusive, competitive growth that can withstand changing economic conditions.