ADB cuts Thai GDP outlook

Forecast for 2% growth in 2025

- NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG

The Thai economy is projected to slow in the second half of 2025 and next year as US tariff hikes reduce exports, weaken private consumption, and reduce private investment, according to ADB.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered its Thai GDP growth estimates for this year and next, citing export deceleration, a slow recovery of foreign tourist arrivals, as well as weakened private consumption and investments.

In its latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO) report, the Manila-based bank projects Thai GDP to expand 2% this year, down from 2.9% forecast in April, with the economy slowing in the second half as front-loaded shipments to the US end.

Economic growth is expected to slow further to 1.6% in 2026, down from the bank's previous forecast of 2.9%.