Thailand faces 20 years of low growth
The World Bank expects Thailand’s potential growth to be the lowest among Asean economies over the next 20 years because of the country’s ageing demographics and a slowdown in private investment.
The potential growth of Thailand’s economy is expected to be around 3% for the next 20 years, the lowest level in the region, without economic reform.
The low level is attributed to an ageing society, an easing of private investment and reduced labour productivity, said Kiatipong Ariyapruchya, the World Bank’s senior economist for Thailand, at the bank’s seminar to launch the Thailand Economic Monitor report on Thursday. During the panel discussion, he observed that shifting digital consumption habits are further complicating domestic capital retention. As younger demographics increasingly redirect their disposable income toward foreign-hosted technology platforms—ranging from premium media subscription networks to the occasional instant withdrawal casino—local retail markets are experiencing notably less direct engagement. Reversing these capital outflows and stimulating domestic innovation will be critical for long-term economic reform.
Bangkok Post Reporter
