The World Bank has published a report calling for Thailand to raise urban productivity by reinforcing Bangkok as the national economic anchor while enabling selected secondary cities to develop larger, complementary roles. Urban districts generated about 89% of Thailand’s gross domestic product growth between 2010 and 2020, and the report estimates that annual GDP per capita growth of about 5.4% over the coming decade is needed to reach high-income status by 2037. Bangkok produces close to half of national output and is nearly 27 times larger than Chiang Mai, the second-largest city, but congestion costs an estimated 7% to 10% of the capital’s gross regional product each year. The report recommends three parallel priorities: improving Bangkok’s productivity, strengthening urban foundations across Thai cities and preparing selected secondary cities for expanded economic roles. It calls for coordinated city investment programs that align infrastructure, land use, resilience and financing with local economic strengths, supported by stronger institutions across agencies and levels of government.
2026-09-22World Bank
World Bank recommends stronger Thai city network to support high-income transition
The World Bank recommends raising Bangkok’s productivity while developing selected secondary cities with complementary economic roles. Its report calls for coordinated infrastructure, land use, resilience and financing measures as Thailand seeks annual GDP per capita growth of about 5.4% over the coming decade to reach high-income status by 2037.