Thailand's economy grows 2.4 pct in 2025

BANGKOK, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's economy expanded 2.4 percent year on year in 2025, official data showed on Monday.

The GDP growth slowed from a 2.9-percent increase in 2024 but extended its expansion for the fifth straight year, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

The country's economic growth accelerated in the final quarter of 2025 to 2.5 percent, up from a 1.2-percent expansion in the previous quarter, thanks to a surge in private consumption, public investment, and government spending, despite slowing exports.

The higher-than-expected economic performance for 2025 was attributed to ongoing support from merchandise exports, a key driver of the kingdom's economic growth, along with a recovery in private investment and quickening public investment, said NESDC secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan.

The Southeast Asian nation's economy is expected to increase between 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent this year, edging up from an earlier forecast of 1.2 percent to 2.2 percent, Danucha told a news conference.

Looking ahead, he noted that growth is supported by continued expansion in private consumption and investment, increased budget for current and capital expenditures, a gradual tourism recovery, and favorable water conditions boosting agricultural output.■