08.10.202504:44:54UTC+00Thailand Consumer Sentiment Strengthens

In September 2025, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's consumer confidence index rose to 50.7, a rebound from August's near three-year low of 50.1, marking the first increase in eight months. This positive shift comes in the wake of a series of support measures introduced by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new government, aimed at revitalizing the economy amidst global challenges and limited fiscal capacity, all set against the backdrop of potential early elections. Additionally, the rise corresponded with the United States reducing its tariffs on Thai imports to 19% from a previous 36%, although there remains some uncertainty regarding duties on goods transshipped through Thailand. During the second quarter, Thailand's economy grew by 2.8% year-on-year, surpassing the anticipated 2.5%, although this marks a decline from the 3.2% growth observed in the first quarter. The state planning agency predicts that growth in 2025 will range between 1.8% and 2.3%, a decrease from last year's 2.5%, attributing this to continued weakness in tourism-related services.