Thailand’s Economic Recovery in Motion
While growth remains moderate, it reflects a gradual stabilisation following post-pandemic challenges. The Bank of Thailand expects the economy to grow by approximately 2.9% for 2025, a small improvement on 2024.
Tourism is picking up again, especially in major cities and resort areas. Anyone walking through Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport lately would notice the difference. There is a renewed energy in the air, especially in key destinations that rely on international footfall.
Domestic spending has also helped keep things moving. Inflation has eased slightly, which gives the government and central bank more flexibility in managing the economy.
There’s also a growing shift in focus, from an economy largely driven by exports and tourism to one that’s more balanced. Policymakers are placing bigger emphasis on domestic consumption and the development of small and medium-sized businesses. Support for tech-enabled SMEs and start-ups is also becoming more visible, especially in the digital services sector.
Another area of long-term investment is infrastructure. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) continues to be a key project, aiming to boost transport, logistics, and industrial capacity across key provinces.
Property, Education, and Healthcare
Certain sectors continue to attract attention, especially from international residents and families living in Thailand:
Property
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Mid to high-end apartments in places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket remain in demand
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Foreign interest is growing, especially in lifestyle and retirement-focused developments
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There has been increasing activity among buyers from digital nomad communities and early retirees seeking long-term living options.
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Easing domestic borrowing conditions have also supported local buyer activity.
Education
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International schools offering UK, US, or IB curricula remain popular with expat and internationally-minded Thai families.
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For many international families, school admissions are starting to feel like a process in themselves, especially in the more established institutions. It’s a conversation that comes up often when talking to expat parents.
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New campuses are being developed in response to increased demand from both expat and local families.
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Bilingual and international curricula are expanding beyond Bangkok into second-tier cities.
Healthcare
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Thailand’s private hospitals continue to expand their capacity and service offerings.
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The country maintains its position as a regional medical hub, with increasing patient volumes.
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Demographic shifts, particularly ageing populations, are supporting long-term demand in preventative care and wellness services.
These areas can reflect ongoing shifts in how people live, work, and plan for the future in Thailand. They could continue to show long-term demand, shaped by both demographic changes and global mobility trends.
Currency and Tax Developments in 2025
The Thai baht has been relatively more stable in early 2025, following periods of volatility linked to shifting global interest rates. If you’ve ever watched the baht swing over a few weeks while waiting to transfer funds, you’ll know just how closely these movements are felt day-to-day. It’s a subtle detail, but one that’s never far from the minds of expats managing income across currencies.
There have also been some discussions about tax updates, especially in areas like online business and cross-border income. No major changes have been made so far in 2025, but this remains an area of potential reform, particularly as ASEAN-wide cooperation deepens.
Market Access and Investment Trends
Thailand’s stock market is open to both local and foreign investors. The main exchange, the SET, saw modest gains last year, though activity certainly has been mixed depending on the sector.
The government has been working to make investing in Thailand more straightforward. This includes better access to trading tools, more information in English, and updated systems to attract international interest.
Some of the market trends gaining traction include:
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Growing interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing
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Increased green bond issuance tied to sustainable infrastructure and energy projects
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A rise in retail investing, particularly among younger Thai investors, is driven by mobile trading platforms and financial education efforts.
It’s interesting to see how much has changed in just a few years: mobile platforms, ESG preferences, even the language used around finance. The landscape can be seen as becoming more inclusive, and that’s reflected in who’s participating, not just what they’re investing in.
Relevance for European Expats
For European nationals living in Thailand or considering a relocation, the economic and sectoral trends outlined above may offer useful context for personal and professional planning.
Exchange rate stability, education availability, property activity, and evolving tax discussions are all factors that can influence everyday decisions for international residents.
Monitoring developments across these areas may help with forward-looking planning, particularly in an environment where local and global dynamics are increasingly interconnected.
Looking Ahead
Thailand enters 2025 with a steady outlook, underpinned by modest growth, ongoing infrastructure commitments, and evolving sector priorities. While external risks and domestic challenges are there, the broader trajectory suggests a continued focus on resilience, digital development, and inclusive growth.
For those already calling Thailand home, or thinking about doing so, it’s one of those years where keeping a close watch could make all the difference in how things feel by December.