Thailand: Thailand's Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) on Wednesday raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.6%-2.0%, an increase from its previous estimate of 1.2%-1.6%.
According to Thai News Agency, the prominent business group also projected inflation at 2.5%-3.0% and upgraded its export growth forecast to 8%-10% from an initial flat outlook. The committee emphasized that the government's 170-billion-baht "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" stimulus package would play a crucial role in sustaining domestic purchasing power in the second half of the year, countering energy pressures arising from Middle East tensions.
The JSCCIB, however, expressed concern over economic unevenness, noting that smaller businesses and lower-income segments have not benefited from rising exports and foreign direct investment (FDI). To address this issue, the group recommended economic restructuring to better channel FDI into the real economy.
In addition, the committee plans to request the government to streamline business licensing regulations across seven industries to reduce costs. They also urged for the timely implementation of the national Power Development Plan (PDP 2026) by August to ensure energy security and manage electricity costs.