Thailand's Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, announced on August 3, 2026, that the government aims to increase investment to 35% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) to achieve high-income economy status within 12 years, by 2037. The announcement was made during a seminar on Thai economic development.
Currently, Thailand's investment rate stands at around 24% of GDP, according to the minister. To reach the target, the government plans to accelerate public investment, particularly in infrastructure projects, and to encourage private sector investment through incentives and regulatory reforms.
The high-income threshold is defined by the World Bank as a gross national income (GNI) per capita of $14,005 or more. Thailand's GNI per capita was approximately $7,260 in 2024, according to World Bank data. The government's plan includes boosting productivity, enhancing competitiveness, and moving up the value chain in industries such as electric vehicles and digital services.
Economists have noted that achieving this goal will require sustained annual growth of around 5% and significant improvements in education and technology adoption. The government has also emphasized the need for fiscal discipline and structural reforms to attract foreign investment.
