Thai business group keeps 2026 GDP growth forecast at 1.6% to 2.0%Sunset above the Buddha statue at Wat Klang pier on Thoet Thai Road, Bangkok, on Feb 21, 2026. (Photo: Eakkapod Tanvichien)A leading ​business group maintained ​its forecast ‌for Thailand's economic growth this year at 1.6% to 2.0%, but ​said ⁠on Wednesday a prolonged conflict in the ‌Middle East would hit activity. The group's forecast ⁠for exports, a key driver of Thai growth, was kept at a fall ​of 0.5% to 1.5%, the Joint ​Standing Committee ‌on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) reported. Southeast ⁠Asia's second-largest economy, which has ⁠lagged regional peers since the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, expanded 2.4% last ⁠year, with exports up ​12.9% as concerns over US tariffs drove front-loading. According to Bank of Thailand governor Vitai Ratanakorn, the new war in the Middle East could dent gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.1-0.15 percentage points due to the heightened risk to oil supply.

Source: Bangkok Post March 04, 2026 16:50 UTC