Bangkok: A new World Bank report released on July 3, 2025, suggests that digital transformation can boost Thailand's competitiveness, with Thailand's GDP projected to grow by 1.8% in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Wisit Wisitsora-at, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, presided over the opening of the Thailand Economic Monitor: Digital Pathways to Growth. The report states that digital transformation can help boost Thailand's competitiveness, create jobs, and drive long-term economic growth amid global economic uncertainty.
The report also projects that Thailand's GDP growth rate in 2025 is expected to slow to 1.8% and 1.7% in 2026, reflecting the impact of recent changes in global trade policy, weak exports, slowing consumption, and a moderate recovery in the tourism sector, which is expected to welcome 37 million international tourists in 2025. However, if investment confidence improves, GDP growth could be 2.2% in 2025 and 1.8% in 2026.
Dr. Kiattipong Ariyapanya, Senior Economist in Thailand at the World Bank, mentioned that despite the global economy facing multiple pressures, the Thai economy in the first quarter of 2025 was still strong, helping to temporarily support the overall economy. This was partly due to the acceleration of exports in advance amid international trade policy uncertainty. Maintaining macroeconomic stability, making government investment more efficient, and expanding deeper cooperation will help Thailand take advantage of changing market dynamics.
The report also highlighted that digital technology can be a catalyst for growth and job creation, improve service quality, and increase national productivity during times of uncertainty. Ms. Melinda Good, Global Country Director for Thailand and Myanmar, noted that Thailand is preparing to host the annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in 2026. Digital transformation will be a key topic of discussion. This global conference is an important opportunity to showcase the potential of key industries such as digital services, green manufacturing, sustainable agribusiness, and tourism, all of which are shaping Thailand's future.
Thailand's digital economy is estimated to account for around 6% of GDP and is the second largest in the ASEAN region. Financial services, digital payments, fintech, software, and engineering industries have been the fastest-growing employment sectors over the past decade, with e-commerce growing at an average of 10% per year since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.