The government spokesperson revealed that the Prime Minister is satisfied with Thailand's continuous GDP growth in the first quarter, expanding by 2.8%. This reflects that government measures are on the right track, advancing efforts to address livelihoods and navigate the cost-of-living crisis. Plans are being made to expand into new markets in Africa and the Middle East.
Today, 19 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is pleased with Thailand's economy showing continuous recovery. Recently, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported that Thailand's economy in the first quarter of 2026 grew by 2.8%, up from 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025. This indicates that the government's economic management since the first term has been on the right path and the phased measures are beginning to show tangible results.
Key factors supporting economic expansion include accelerated government spending, stimulation of private sector investment, improvements in government mechanisms and regulations to reduce investment obstacles, as well as enhanced economic confidence. This is reflected by an improving consumer confidence index and positive outlooks from global rating agencies. For example, Moody’s upgraded Thailand’s credit outlook from Negative to Stable, noting that Thailand is one of the major emerging markets better able to withstand global economic shocks over the past year.
Total investment expanded by 9.9%, the highest in 44 quarters, with private sector investment growing by 10.1%, driven by machinery and technology investments. The export sector continues to perform well, especially in industrial and technological goods. The government plans to further expand new markets in Africa and the Middle East to diversify risk and create new opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs.
Moreover, the government is concurrently supporting the grassroots economy, especially the agricultural sector, which still faces pressure from global commodity prices. The government will accelerate support for farmers, low-income groups, and informal sector workers through measures to reduce production costs, water management, price support, and market expansion to alleviate impacts from the cost of living and the global economy. At the same time, infrastructure development continues to strengthen Thailand's long-term economic potential.
The government is also preparing measures to closely monitor inflation risks stemming from the energy crisis in the Middle East. The Prime Minister has instructed relevant agencies to continuously track energy situations, commodity prices, and production costs to mitigate impacts on the population as much as possible. He has emphasized that future economic management must prioritize supporting people facing the cost-of-living challenges caused by energy prices, including measures like the Thai Help Thai Plus program, which has been adjusted to a 60-40 subsidy model (government 60%, citizens 40%) to distribute funds to small retailers and the grassroots economy nationwide.
"During the time Prime Minister Anutin began his first term, from the last quarter of 2025 through the first quarter of 2026, Thailand faced external crises such as global economic volatility from U.S. tariff issues and geopolitical conflicts that escalated into a global energy crisis. Although the global economy remains uncertain, the government has addressed the needs and hardships of the country, entrepreneurs, and citizens as key challenges. Projects under the emergency loan decree, such as the Thai Help Thai Plus program and energy transition promotion, along with other upcoming government measures, will be the main tools to support the people and sustain economic growth through the end of this year. We are confident of achieving the full-year economic growth target of 2%."