The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has maintained its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Thailand at 1.6% to 2.0%, citing a persistent divergence between export-led sectors and domestic consumption.
The business group’s assessment highlights a K-shaped economic recovery, where high-tech industries benefit from global megatrends while broader household spending remains subdued.
However, the group noted that private consumption, particularly in the housing sector, remains low, limiting the breadth of the economic expansion.
According to the FTI, the primary growth engine is now the surge in private investment and exports driven by the artificial intelligence and data center sectors.
These industries are attracting significant foreign capital and boosting export volumes, providing a crucial counterweight to weaker domestic demand.
However, the group noted that private consumption, particularly in the housing sector, remains low, limiting the breadth of the economic expansion.
This uneven growth pattern presents a challenge for policymakers aiming to stimulate a more inclusive recovery.