Thailand Exports Hit a Record High, Driven by the AI Boom; SET Stocks Strong

The world is in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of technological progress. Thailand is unexpectedly benefiting from this trend and is steadily emerging as an important part of the global AI supply chain, especially in the manufacture of electronic equipment and digital infrastructure systems. That is helping Thailand's exports this year head toward a record US$366.8 billion, while the SET index has risen nearly 23% since the start of the year, making it the strongest stock market in Southeast Asia.

AI Boom Pushes Thai Exports Past the Target

The rapid expansion of the global AI industry, especially investment in large data centers and the development of cloud computing systems, has strongly boosted demand for Thai electronics products. Nantapong Jirayus Na Ayutthaya, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, said Thai exports are expected to grow 8% this year, with electronics as the main growth engine and already accounting for nearly one-third of total exports.

Thailand's long-standing role as a manufacturing base for electronic equipment, together with its ability to adapt to the global tech supply chain, has allowed it to keep benefiting from capital flowing into the AI industry. Products related to data-center power systems, printed circuit boards, and high-performance computer components are seeing strong global demand.

Although May export data showed some slowdown, with growth of 10.6% compared with 23.1% in April, officials said this was due to lower agricultural exports and a high comparison base last year. The long-term trend remains upbeat, especially as orders continue to pour in.

Import growth slowing is also worth watching. May import growth was 35.1%, down from 45% in April, narrowing Thailand's trade deficit to US$5.7 billion, below the previous record high of US$10 billion.