Thailand’s economic outlook for the coming year is under threat due to political instability that could delay the national budget, according to Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the outgoing governor of the Bank of Thailand. Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg Television in Bangkok, he emphasized growing concerns about 2026, noting that while the central bank projects a 1.7% expansion—down from an estimated 2% this year—ongoing political gridlock poses significant downside risks. A postponement in budget approval could undermine fiscal planning and investor confidence, potentially hampering growth at a time when global economic conditions remain fragile.
— news from Bloomberg.com
— News Original —
Bank of Thailand Chief Sees Economic Risk in Political Drift
Thailand’s economic growth outlook next year is looking increasingly at risk amid a possible delay in the budget because of the country’s political deadlock, according to outgoing central bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput .
“Our worry is next year,” Sethaput said in an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Haslinda Amin in Bangkok on Wednesday. The Bank of Thailand forecasts 1.7% growth in 2026 from about 2% this year but “with all this uncertainty, there’s some risk to that” if the government delays next year’s budget.