Thailand’s regional economy comes under pressure from rising costs

Farm income contracted in every region, with the North hit hardest, while the consumer confidence index remained persistently low.

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office reported on the trade and economic situation in the regions in April 2026, saying the headline consumer price index rose by 2.89% overall as domestic fuel prices increased in line with the conflict in the Middle East.

This pushed up general transport fares, while prices of ready-to-eat food also rose.

Meanwhile, the consumer confidence index fell from the previous month to 45.0, remaining in the pessimistic range to a second consecutive month and in the pessimistic range in every region.

Nationwide visitor revenue in March 2026 stood at THB231.702 billion, up 0.5%, with Bangkok and its adjacent provinces recording the highest development at 4.0%.

Farm income in February 2026 contracted by 4.2% and fell in every region, with the North posting the steepest decline at 13.3%.

Bangkok and the adjacent provinces

Central region

North

Northeast

South