Thailand’s economic growth has remained persistently sluggish, with real GDP growth trailing behind regional peers for an extended period. This stagnation reflects a combination of structural and cyclical factors, including weak productivity growth, lasting scarring effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pressures of broader megatrends such as population aging and global trade fragmentation.
To assess Thailand’s competitiveness in the global economy and project its future growth trajectory, it is essential to examine: (1) the dynamics of employment and production structures across sectors, including productivity trends and resource allocation; (2) the role of institutions and public policies—spanning industrial, fiscal, monetary, and regulatory domains—in shaping these dynamics; and (3) the future evolution of key industries in comparison to international benchmarks, especially under the influence of global shifts. A clearer understanding of these elements will help identify new growth opportunities, anticipate future labor market demands, and design supportive policy responses.
- Estimating Thailand’s potential growth: which industries could serve as new growth engines, and what policy frameworks are needed to support them?
- Evaluating the historical impacts of Thailand’s industrial policies: what lessons can be drawn, and what are the implications for future policy design?
- Identifying barriers to high value-added job creation: what structural or institutional reforms are required to support sustainable long-term growth?
- Changing patterns in labor demand: empirical estimation of past, present, and projected labor needs across sectors.