中金 • 全球研究 | 泰国经济2Q25展望：复苏遇阻与逆风博弈

Core Viewpoint - Thailand's economic recovery faces unexpected disruptions, with GDP growth forecasted to slow down to 1.8% in 2025, down from previous expectations of 2.5% for 2024, due to multiple adverse factors impacting the economic outlook [2][9]. Macroeconomic Overview - Thailand's real GDP is projected to grow by 2.5% in 2024, up from 2.0% in 2023, driven by a 5.4% increase in goods exports, a 26.3% rise in international tourist arrivals, and a 4.4% growth in private consumption [8][9]. - The IMF has revised Thailand's GDP growth forecast for 2025 down to 1.8%, highlighting the challenges posed by external factors such as U.S. tariffs and domestic political instability [9][10]. Policy Regulation - The Thai government has introduced an economic stimulus plan exceeding 500 billion THB (approximately 15 billion USD) to counteract slowing growth, focusing on consumption stimulation and investment [3][21]. - The Bank of Thailand has lowered the policy interest rate from 2.25% to 1.75% to enhance market liquidity, with additional measures including debt relief programs and digital wallet initiatives aimed at supporting indebted households [3][21]. Trade Dynamics - U.S. tariff policies present uncertainties for Thailand's exports, with a trade surplus of 35.4 billion USD expected in 2024, and a corresponding tariff rate of 36% [4][30]. - In Q1 2025, Thailand's exports grew by 15.2%, supported by strong demand from the U.S. and China, but ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S. remain stalled, posing risks to future trade performance [4][31]. Tourism Industry - The tourism sector is under scrutiny due to security incidents and the impact of the March earthquake, with international tourist arrivals increasing by only 1.9% in Q1 2025 [5][37]. - High-spending tourists from Western countries are partially offsetting the decline in Chinese visitors, but the overall recovery in tourism is expected to be slower than anticipated [5][38]. Capital Markets - The Thai stock market (SET Index) has fallen by 14.5% year-to-date, reaching a five-year low, driven by global market volatility and domestic economic challenges [6][46]. - Recommendations for investment strategies include diversifying into high-dividend blue-chip stocks, tourism-related sectors, and utilities, as well as taking advantage of potential stock buyback programs [6][47].