Survey highlights winners and losers in Thailand’s business outlook for 2026
As people say goodbye to 2025 and move into 2026 with renewed hope, a recent survey has revealed a trend of rising and declining business clusters ahead for Thailand.
The survey, conducted by the Bangkok-based University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), identified promising trends across 10 business groups in the Thai economy and scored them as follows:
- Cloud computing, cybersecurity, social media and online entertainment — 94.9 points
- Digital content developers and online sales influencers — 94.5 points
- General e-commerce — 93.7 points
- Cosmetic surgery, beauty services, fast cash services and AI businesses — 93.1 points
- Logistics, product delivery, warehousing, street food, night markets, pet care and fashion — 92.6 points
- Solar cells and other alternative energy, health and fitness businesses — 91.5 points
- Investment, financial planning and gaming consultancy businesses — 90.9 points
- EV charging and installation services, fintech and EdTech sectors — 90.1 points
- Insurance, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and green businesses — 89.3 points
- Beauty salons, laundries, food and beverage vending machines, sports equipment and aviation businesses — 89.1 points
On the other hand, the survey found a declining trend across 10 business areas of the domestic economy, with the following scores:
- Used car dealerships — 17.8 points
- Traditional photo shops — 16 points
- Toy shops — 15.5 points
- Traditional furniture shops — 14.5 points
- Photocopy shops — 13.6 points
- Garments and textiles — 11.7 points
- Traditional retail stores — 10.2 points
- Offline newspaper and book publishing — 9.5 points
- Bookshops — 8.3 points
- Internet cafés and recording-equipment outlets — 7.5 points
Thanavath Phonvichai, UTCC Rector and Chief Advisor to the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting, told the media that the scores are based on an analytical assessment of relevant factors.
These include domestic economic conditions and risk factors in 2026, such as a potential global trade war, export trends, tourism prospects, election-related developments, the impacts of border conflicts and severe flooding in the South, along with a stronger Thai baht.
Meanwhile, Vachira Kunthawethep, UTCC Vice Rector for Strategy and Director of the Trade Strategic Institute, estimated that Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation will grow by 1.6% and 0.5% year-on-year respectively in 2026, while exports are expected to shrink by 1% year-on-year.