Thailand: Cross-border trade to reach 1.937 trillion baht in 2025

According to figures published by the Ministry of Commerce, Thailand's cross-border trade reached 1,937 billion baht in 2025.

This 6.7% year-on-year increase allows Thailand to maintain a solid trade surplus, despite regional disruptions.

Exports reached 1,063 billion baht, while imports climbed to 874 billion baht, allowing Thailand to post a substantial trade surplus of 188.6 billion baht.

Trade with immediate neighboring countries is declining

Trade with Thailand's four neighbouring countries (Malaysia, Burma, Laos and Cambodia) was valued at 894 billion baht, a decrease of 8.5%.

Exports fell to 522 billion baht, while imports amounted to 372 billion baht, still leaving a comfortable surplus of nearly 150 billion baht.

Malaysia remained Thailand's top cross-border trading partner in value, followed by the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Burma and Cambodia.

The main exports included diesel and refined petroleum, while electricity and natural gas dominated imports.

Cross-border trade with third countries is booming

In contrast, cross-border trade with third countries jumped by 24.4% to reach 1,043 billion baht.

China ranked as Thailand's top cross-border partner, followed by Singapore and Vietnam.

Fresh durians and hard drives drove export growth, while magnetic tapes and platters were the main imports.

Despite border tensions with Cambodia and stricter import measures imposed by Myanmar, the Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade, Arada Fuangtong, stated:

"Strong cross-border activity has helped Thailand maintain its overall trade surplus."

Outlook 2026: Electronics, Data and Support for Border Provinces

For 2026, the department forecasts growth driven by the electronics sector and the expansion of data centers.

The government plans to hold border trade fairs in provinces such as Khon Kaen and Chiang Rai to stimulate economic activity and support affected entrepreneurs.

A commercial dynamic that is not enough to support overall growth

While the latest data shows that Thailand's frontier and cross-border trade is steadily increasing, reaching nearly 1,937 billion baht in 2025, this trade strength represents only part of the country's overall economic picture.

Overall GDP growth is projected to be around 2% for 2025-2026, reflecting underlying challenges such as weak private investment, moderate exports to traditional markets and a slow recovery in tourism.

All these factors limit the overall pace of economic expansion despite gains made in certain specific trade corridors.

In this context, the increase in cross-border trade underlines Thailand's ability to maintain resilient external demand, particularly with China, Singapore and Vietnam, even if other drivers of economic activity remain moderate.

However, structural challenges such as demographic trends, high household debt and foreign policy uncertainties mean that trade alone is not enough.

It will be essential to continue to focus on innovation, including digital transformation and value-added manufacturing, if Thailand is to translate trade gains into stronger and more sustainable GDP growth in the years ahead.

See also:

How Thailand went from economic tiger to the sick man of Asia

Surprise in Thailand: exports jump 16.8% in December

The baht too strong threatens Thai tourism and exports

Source: Khaosod English