กกร. คาด ศก. ไทยปี 69 โต 1.6–2.0% แนะรัฐเร่งปฏิรูปโครงสร้างJoint Committee of Private Sectors Forecasts Thai Economy Growth at 1.6–2.0% in 2026, Urges Government to Accelerate Structural Reforms

On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Dr. Potch Aramwatthananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Thai Chambers of Commerce, presided over a press conference held by the Joint Committee of Private Sectors from three institutions (JCC). He was joined by Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and Mr. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

The Thai economy in 2026 is expected to grow below 2% for the first time in 30 years, excluding crisis periods, amid numerous challenges. It is anticipated that Thailand will achieve the lowest growth in the region due to existing structural vulnerabilities, including a large informal economy and high household debt. There is a lack of global competitiveness, budgetary constraints, and challenges from government regulations that are numerous and disconnected. Additionally, the impact of disasters from the previous year, currency appreciation, cybercrime, capital movement risks, and the dangers associated with delayed budget processes compound these difficulties.

The JCC expresses concern over the Thai baht's appreciation of 8.2% over the past year, making it the second-highest in the region, which pressures exports as if businesses are subjected to additional tariffs. This weakens many businesses, particularly exporters. Therefore, regulatory authorities should monitor the currency movements linked to gold prices and the role of cryptocurrency trading in Thailand affecting the baht. The JCC advocates that the government expedite measures to enhance awareness of the sources of funds, particularly regarding non-residents in Thailand, without adhering to outdated regulatory frameworks, and prevent such transactions from undermining the competitiveness of the economy.

Global economic uncertainties in 2026 have increased due to geopolitical factors, as reflected in the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, which emphasizes the emerging economic and political bipolarization (New World Order), affecting the global economic system that is projected to slow down from the previous year. Moreover, the effects of past U.S. tax policies will become more evident, leading to a contraction in Thai exports, excluding electronics, highlighting Thailand's increasing economic uncertainties. Therefore, Thailand must stay ahead of these changes.

The JCC hopes that the government post-election will continue to enhance the structural reforms of the Thai economy, transitioning the economy into a formal system and sustainably addressing debt issues that will aid in increasing purchasing power, enhancing business capabilities, reducing business barriers to stimulate new investments, strengthening the supply chain, and raising anti-corruption measures to foster Trust & Confidence and lower hidden business costs. Furthermore, collaboration aligned with the “Reinvent Thailand” initiative is essential to close domestic challenges and reinforce strengths for sustainable growth in Thailand. The JCC will continuously track the progress of driving the New S-Curve industry, including measures supporting Thai entrepreneurs to boost their competitive capabilities through BOI (Enhanced Capability Fund). It is vital for operators to participate actively and consider extending the registration period for the project ending at the end of January, as well as the 'SMEs Credit Boost' credit guarantee mechanism, Soft Loan measures, and credit guarantee measures by the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation. The aim is to simplify processes, link the entire supply chain, upgrade skills, generate employment, and create true value addition to the economy.

The JCC's economic projections for 2026:
2025 (as of December 2025)
GDP 2.0
Exports 10.0
Inflation 0.0

2026 (as of December 2025)
GDP 1.6 to 2.0
Exports -1.5 to -0.5
Inflation 0.2 to 0.7

2026 (as of January 2026)
GDP 1.6 to 2.0
Exports -1.5 to -0.5
Inflation 0.2 to 0.7

The JCC notes a significant opportunity for Thailand to host a global meeting, comprising the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meeting 2026, titled “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience.” This platform will serve as a venue for exchanging global economic perspectives and strategies for addressing various challenges from top global executives across all sectors, policymakers, and academics. This presents an invaluable opportunity for enhancing Thailand's image (Re-Branding), positioning the country within the global Supply Chain, driving innovation, productivity, and what Thailand requires. Meetings will continue throughout the year leading up to the major conference in October, thus requiring prompt preparation. The JCC will establish subcommittees to coordinate and prepare effectively with the government. Moreover, Thailand will also host the “Gastech 2026” conference, which is a premiere gathering for showcasing technology related to natural gas, LNG, hydrogen energy, climate technology, and AI, uniting leaders from all regions to promote collaboration and propose policies on energy globally, along with the Tomorrowland music festival, which will be held in Thailand for the first time. Thailand should seize this opportunity to build confidence in the international arena, integrating solutions to Thailand's economic and structural challenges with global dynamics, many of which align with the operations of Reinvent Thailand backed by full participation from all sectors, both public and private.

Press conference by:
Dr. Potch Aramwatthananon: Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Thai Chambers of Commerce
Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul: Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)
Mr. Payong Srivanich: Chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association