Thailand Personal Spending Hits 7-Month High

Private consumption in Thailand rose by 1.2% month-on-month in July 2026, edging up from 1.1% in the previous month. It marked the highest reading since December 2025, mainly due to stronger services spending, particularly on hotels and restaurants and passenger transportation, amid government measures and a pickup in domestic tourism. Spending on durable goods also grew, highlighting increased sales of passenger cars and pickup trucks despite lower motorcycle registrations. Consumption of non-durable goods was broadly stable, as higher fuel consumption and alcoholic beverage sales offset weaker consumer goods sales following strong growth in the previous month. In contrast, spending on semi-durable goods dropped, reflecting lower imports of textiles and apparel. Meanwhile, consumer confidence improved, supported by government measures and easing concerns over the Middle East conflict.

Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June 2026, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels. Spending on durable goods also strengthened, supported by higher motorcycle registrations and passenger car sales, partly reflecting growing consumer interest in electric vehicles. Consumption of semi-durable goods also advanced, supported by higher imports of textiles and apparel. In contrast, spending on services weakened, particularly at hotels and restaurants, in line with softer tourism activity. Meanwhile, consumer confidence improved, buoyed by government measures and easing concerns over tensions in the Middle East.

Private consumption in Thailand rose 0.6% month-on-month in May 2026, following a 2.1% fall in the previous month. The improvement was driven mainly by stronger spending on durable goods, particularly passenger cars, as consumers increasingly favored electric vehicles amid elevated fuel prices. Spending on non-durable goods also edged up as fuel consumption normalized following earlier panic buying at the start of the Middle East conflict. At the same time, spending on services remained broadly stable, in line with domestic tourism activity. In contrast, consumption of semi-durable goods declined, reflected in lower imports of textiles and apparel. Consumer confidence continued to weaken, driven by concerns over the rising cost of living and uncertain income and employment prospects.