16 August 2026
BANGKOK — Thailand is heading into a closely watched economic data release on Monday, August 17, with economists expecting second-quarter growth to slow sharply as weak household spending weighs on the economy.
A Reuters poll of 15 economists put median year-on-year GDP growth for April–June at 1.7%, down from 2.8% in the first quarter. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter basis, the median forecast points to a 0.6% contraction. These figures are forecasts, not the official GDP result.
Economists cited subdued private consumption, high household debt and higher costs as important drags. Tourism has also provided less support, while exports and investment — particularly electronics and AI-related infrastructure — have helped cushion the slowdown.
For international readers, Monday’s release matters beyond a single GDP number. Thailand is Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, and the data will offer a fresh indication of whether strong exports and investment are enough to offset weakness in household demand and tourism.
The official Q2 GDP figures are due on August 17. Until then, the 1.7% and -0.6% figures should be treated strictly as economists’ median forecasts.
Vihok News Sources: Reuters