Thailand’s trade deficit widened to USD 5.71 billion in May 2026, up from USD 1.12 billion in the same month a year earlier, marking the eighth consecutive monthly shortfall. The gap, however, was narrower than market expectations of a USD 6.6 billion deficit, as exports continued to lag behind imports.
Imports rose 35.1% year-on-year, slowing from a 45.0% increase in April but slightly above the 35% forecast, supported by ongoing government stimulus measures aimed at boosting consumption and investment. By contrast, exports grew 10.6% year-on-year, a sharp deceleration from the 23.1% surge recorded in April—the strongest pace in three months—and below market expectations of 11.6%, marking the weakest expansion since February.
