Thailand border trade hits THB 1.9 trillion in 2025, posts strong surplus

2026-02-05 - 05:56

Thailand border trade reached THB 1.937 trillion in 2025, up 6.7% year-on-year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Commerce, with the country maintaining a solid trade surplus despite regional disruptions. Exports reached THB 1.063 trillion, while imports climbed to THB 874 billion, allowing Thailand to post a strong trade surplus of THB 188.6 billion. Trade with Thailand’s four neighbouring countries — Malaysia, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia — was valued at THB 894 billion, down 8.5%. Exports fell to THB 522 billion, while imports stood at THB 372 billion, still leaving a healthy surplus of nearly THB 150 billion. Malaysia remained Thailand’s top border trade partner by value, followed by Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia. Major exports included diesel and processed petroleum, while electricity and natural gas dominated imports. In contrast, cross-border trade with third countries surged 24.4% to THB 1.043 trillion. China ranked as Thailand’s largest cross-border partner, followed by Singapore and Vietnam. Fresh durians and hard disk drives led export growth, while magnetic tapes and platters were the biggest imports. Despite border tensions with Cambodia and stricter import measures imposed by Myanmar, Department of Foreign Trade Director-General Arada Fuangtong said strong cross-border activity helped Thailand maintain its overall trade surplus. Looking ahead to 2026, the department expects growth to be driven by the electronics sector and the expansion of data centres, with the government planning border trade fairs in provinces such as Khon Kaen and Chiang Rai to boost economic activity and support affected entrepreneurs. While the latest data shows Thailand’s border and cross-border trade climbing steadily, reaching nearly THB 1.94 trillion in 2025, this strength in trade represents only one piece of the country’s broader economic picture. Overall GDP growth is projected at around 2% for 2025–2026, reflecting underlying headwinds such as weak private investment, moderation in exports to traditional markets, and a slow tourism rebound — factors that limit the overall pace of economic expansion despite gains in specific trade corridors. Non-trade sector figures are rounded estimates based on official Thai government and central bank data, included for contextual comparison only. Data sources: Ministry of Commerce (total exports), Ministry of Tourism and Sports (Tourism), NESDC (Gross Fixed Investment), World Bank (GDP), In this context, the rise in border trade underscores Thailand’s ability to maintain resilient external demand, particularly with China, Singapore and Vietnam, even as other drivers of economic activity remain subdued. However, structural challenges such as demographic trends, high household debt, and external policy uncertainties mean that trade alone is not sufficient. Continued emphasis on innovation including digital transformation and value-added manufacturing will be critical if Thailand is to translate trade gains into stronger and more sustained GDP growth in the years ahead.