Thai exports set to reach Bt142bn in 2026

The Commerce Ministry has set a target for Thailand’s overall exports in 2026 at Bt142bn, which will be generated by about 700 promising projects and activities throughout the year.

Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, director general of the Department of International Trade Promotion, told the media of the goal this week, saying that, if achieved, it should benefit over 294,500 Thai business operators both in the country and abroad.

She outlined that the planned projects and activities include online trade promotion through thaitrade.com, international trade exhibitions, business matching sessions, visits to potential trading partners by Thai trade representative teams, cooperation with global modern trade outlets, and support for Thai franchises overseas.

In addition, an exclusive incoming trade mission will be organized during February 24–28 in Thailand, when established US firms, including Otis McAllister Inc., will be invited for in-depth talks on penetrating specific US sectors with Thai exports.

An initiative called Thailand’s Best Friend Project will also be launched in March, under which about 20 major global importers will be invited to receive an honorable award from the Thai prime minister for becoming long-term fan club members of Thai products.

As well, the so-called Special Task Force (STF) Project will be introduced, aimed at exploring more prospective markets, namely China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, along with African and Latin American nations.

Sunanta said that she has assigned Thai commercial offices overseas to survey and develop their databases on sources of raw materials to support Thai firms and potential areas for expanding Thai investment projects.

The senior official, however, cautioned that the appreciation of the Thai baht remains a challenge for Thai exporters, noting that the Thai currency hovering around 33–34 baht per US dollar is more beneficial to local exporters.