Macroeconomic Overview - Thailand's real GDP grew by 2.8% year-on-year in Q2 2025, surpassing Bloomberg's consensus estimate of 2.4% and up from 2.3% in Q2 2024, although it slowed from 3.2% in Q1 2025 [2][8] - The National Economic and Social Development Council adjusted the full-year growth forecast to 1.8-2.3%, up from the previous range of 1.3-2.3%, maintaining cautious optimism amid global uncertainties [2][8] - Key growth drivers include strong export performance, with Q2 exports up 12.2% year-on-year, and a rebound in private investment, which grew by 4.1% [8][10] Policy Response - Thailand faces multiple pressures including political friction, border conflicts, trade risks, and natural disasters, which pose challenges to growth [3][21] - The Constitutional Court's ruling on former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha's actions may delay key initiatives like the digital wallet plan [21][22] - Strong foreign direct investment (FDI) activity, with a record 1,063 approved projects worth $18.7 billion in H1 2025, signals positive investment sentiment [22][23] Trade Dynamics - Thailand's exports grew by 14.8% year-on-year in Q2 2025, continuing a five-quarter growth streak, driven by strong demand for electronics [4][30] - The U.S. imposed a 19% tariff on Thai goods, which may pressure export-oriented businesses in the second half of 2025 [4][30] - Thailand is actively seeking to diversify its trade relationships, achieving key milestones such as gaining BRICS partner status and enhancing ties with the European Free Trade Association [4][31][32] Tourism Sector - The tourism sector showed signs of weakness, with foreign visitor numbers down 12.2% year-on-year in Q2 2025, primarily due to safety concerns and regional competition [5][38] - The Thai government announced a stimulus package of 10 billion baht (approximately $300 million) to promote tourism and improve attractions [5][39] - Long-haul tourists are expected to increase, potentially driving tourism revenue to $46.4 billion in 2025, up from $39.7 billion in 2024 [5][39] Capital Markets - The SET index rose by 3% in the past month, reflecting improved market sentiment, although it remains down 6.9% year-to-date [6][49] - The forward P/E ratios for 2025 and 2026 are projected at 14.0x and 13.1x, respectively, indicating a valuation below historical averages [6][49] - Investment strategies should focus on high-dividend financial stocks, electronic and electric vehicle manufacturing, fintech innovation, and energy transition [6][50]
中金 • 全球研究 | 泰国：下半年或需加强逆周期调节
中金点睛·2025-09-02 23:37