In March 2025, Thailand’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dipped below the neutral level, marking a concerning development for the country's industrial sector. The index fell to 49.90, a decrease from 50.60 recorded in February 2025, signaling a contraction in the manufacturing activity for the first time in recent months.
The decline suggests that the sector experienced a slowdown, with the PMI charting below the crucial 50-mark, which separates expansion from contraction. This downturn highlights potential challenges within the manufacturing industry, as it breaks the previous trend of slight expansion observed in February, where the PMI stood above threshold at 50.60.
With this month-over-month comparison, stakeholders are cautious about the implications of this shift. The latest data, updated on April 1, 2025, underscores the need for strategic measures to revitalise growth and address any underlying issues hampering the sector’s performance. As global economic conditions remain uncertain, close monitoring of the upcoming PMI figures will be vital in forecasting Thailand’s economic trajectory in the near future.
