Two quarters of double-digit investment growth signal key economic engine is working again
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas delivers his remarks at Thailand Focus 2026: Reignite Thailand on Wednesday. (Photo: Ministry of Finance)
The government aims to increase investment to 30% of gross domestic product (GDP), from around 20% now, after recording the highest investment growth rate in more than a decade in the second quarter, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Wednesday.Investment expanded by 14% year-on-year in the three months to June 30, the second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, signalling its return as a key engine of economic prosperity, said Mr Ekniti, also a deputy prime minister.
The marked improvement in investment was seen even though the overall GDP growth rate declined 1.9% year-on-year, slowing from 2.8% in the first quarter.
The government aims to use investment to lift Thailand’s GDP growth potential above 3% annually and improve competitiveness to rank among the world’s top 20 economies, he said at the Thailand Focus 2026 conference held by the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
