Thailand Personal Spending Eases in August

Private consumption in Thailand increased 0.4% month-on-month in August 2026, easing from a seven-month high of 1.2% in the previous month. Domestic tourism moderated after accelerating in the previous month due to the extended holiday period. Spending on non-durable goods was broadly unchanged, as stronger consumer goods sales, partly aided by government measures, offset declines in fuel sales and electricity consumption. Meanwhile, spending on services picked up, particularly on hotels and restaurants, in line with higher foreign tourist arrivals. Spending on semi-durable goods also edged higher, reflecting increased imports of textiles and apparel, while spending on durable goods continued to advance on higher passenger car sales and motorcycle registrations. Consumer confidence also strengthened, supported by government measures, although elevated living costs and household debt continued to weigh on consumers.

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.