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.
