Investment key to transformation, says Ekniti

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that double-digit investment growth over two quarters indicates the economy's engine is functioning again. He stated that the government aims to raise investment to 30% of GDP from the current 20%, after witnessing the highest investment growth rate in over a decade in the second quarter.

Investment grew by 14% year-on-year in the three months ending June 30, marking the second consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, signaling its resurgence as a key driver of economic prosperity. Even with GDP growth slowing to 1.9% year-on-year, investment growth remained robust. The government's objective is to elevate Thailand's GDP growth potential above 3% annually and enhance its global competitiveness ranking.

Currently, Thailand ranks 26th out of 70 economies in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, up from 30th in 2025. The government intends to boost investment through public-private partnerships, infrastructure funds, and the Thailand FastPass initiative, which aims to expedite investment approvals by 20-50% and alleviate bureaucratic barriers for vital projects.

Foreign investment appears to be gaining momentum, with applications from foreign investors through the Board of Investment rising 37% in the first half of the year, with a total proposed project value of 1.47 trillion baht. However, the government aims to transform Thailand's economic structure through investment in three key areas: technology and innovation, integrating SMEs into global supply chains, and upgrading workforce skills in targeted industries.

The government will also promote new-economy companies on the stock market through the JUMP+ program. Thailand's economic recovery is essential as the global economy undergoes significant shifts driven by supply-chain restructuring, AI expansion, and the energy and climate transition. The government aims to turn capital into greater economic capabilities and create better opportunities for the Thai people.