The World Bank has published a development roadmap for Thailand focused on raising productivity through technology adoption, innovation, stronger skills, greater domestic value added and more competitive firms. The report estimates that Thailand needs annual gross domestic product per capita growth of 5.4 percent to reach high income status by 2037. The agenda combines upgrading into higher value activities with greater dynamism among firms, workers and cities. It identifies advanced manufacturing, sustainable and wellness tourism, digital services, agrifood and creative industries as areas of comparative advantage. Recommended reforms include stronger competition, deeper trade and foreign investment spillovers, better access to finance, broader innovation, expanded vocational and technology skills, lifelong learning and measures to develop secondary cities while improving Bangkok’s productivity.
2026-09-03World Bank
World Bank outlines productivity reforms to put Thailand on path to high income status by 2037
The World Bank has outlined reforms to raise Thailand’s productivity and support its transition to high income status by 2037, requiring annual GDP per capita growth of 5.4 percent. Priorities include technology and skills, more competitive firms, five higher value industries and more productive cities.