Thailand’s economy grows 2.8% in Q1 2026, beating forecasts

Thailand’s economy expanded 2.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, accelerating from 2.5% growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 and surpassing market forecasts. Growth was primarily driven by faster government spending (3.4%, up from 1.3% in Q4) and stronger fixed investment at 9.9%. Exports also surged, growing 12.6% compared with 5.6% previously, with both the industrial and services sectors contributing meaningfully to the expansion.