Thai Prime Minister Says Foreign Investment and Export Data Signal Positive Economic Growth

Key summary

On October 24, 2026, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that recent data on foreign investment, exports, employment, and corporate tax revenue indicate a stronger economy than the current 2.1% GDP forecast. He directed the National Economic and Social Development Council to re-examine its calculations and assumptions before reporting back. The Prime Minister highlighted that foreign investment in the first half of the year exceeded last year's full-year value by approximately 30%, while exports grew by over 20%. He emphasized that Thailand should compete based on infrastructure, logistics, regional market access, and skilled personnel rather than low labor or electricity costs. Additionally, the government plans to promote clean energy allowing households to generate and sell surplus power back to the grid.