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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
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Thailand's misleading growth story

Shoppers at a market on day one of the "Thais Help Thais Plus" campaign on June 1. Analysts say the short-term stimulus could help boost GDP growth by 0.2-0.5%. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

Thailand's quarterly GDP growth rate was 1.2% in the third quarter of 2025, rising to 2.5% in the fourth quarter and further to 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

Judging from these figures, most people would conclude the economy is on the path to recovery, as higher growth rates are generally associated with stronger economic performance. The government even campaigned under the slogan “Cannot take being richer anymore”. Today, that slogan appears to be little more than a joke.

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