Bangkok Post: 2026 Business Sectors Survey

Digital services, health and wellness, and businesses with solid ‌environmental, social and governance (ESG) attributes remain promising next year, according to a survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).

Thanavath Phonvichai, the ⁣university’s president, said the list of⁤ rising and declining businesses is based on economic growth ⁣factors​ and ‌key risks, such as trade ‍wars and global export trends. Even though Thailand’s exports in 2025 are expected⁤ to grow ⁤by 11%, next year they‍ are projected⁣ to contract by​ 1% from an inflated‌ base, he said.

In‍ addition, risks related to tourism​ growth were ⁢assessed. Arrivals ⁣towards the end of this year⁢ have⁤ fallen to less than 3 million people per month, which could bleed into⁣ early 2026.

Baht⁤ appreciation is another factor, as the currency is at 31.50 per US dollar, close to a⁣ four-year ​high.

Flooding risks in southern Thailand also require urgent⁢ rehabilitation and ‍assessment of which provinces are affected to⁢ prevent impacts ⁤in the first quarter of next year, said Mr Thanavath.

The outlook excludes the thai-Cambodian border conflict and political factors such ​as the election.