Thailand

Economy & industry overview

Thailand is an upper-middle-income, newly industrialised economy in Southeast Asia and one of the region's largest by nominal GDP. Its economy is driven by manufacturing (particularly automotive, electronics, and electrical components), tourism, agriculture, and a growing services sector. The country is a major global exporter of automobiles and parts, processed food, electronics, and petrochemicals, with the United States, China, and ASEAN partners as its principal trading partners. Growth has been moderate by regional standards, averaging under 2% annually over the past decade, reflecting structural challenges including an ageing population, high household debt, and the need to move up the value chain into higher-technology industries. Tourism, which contributes significantly to GDP and employment, has continued its post-pandemic recovery.

Key sectors

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Macro

GDP nominal, USD	$526.41B
GDP growth real, annual	2.4%
Inflation annual	1.1%
Population people	71.7M
GDP per capita USD	$7,495
Market cap total listed, USD	$519.67B
Market cap / GDP	98.7%
Unemployment	0.7%
Listed companies	868
Exchange	Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)

Data year: 2024. Sources: World Bank World Development Indicators, Trading Economics, Macrotrends, FocusEconomics, Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Baker McKenzie Cross-Border Listings Guide, Wikipedia – Economy of Thailand, Wikipedia – Stock Exchange of Thailand, Global Citizens Solutions, Siam Legal International, Henley & Partners, Board of Investment Thailand (BOI).

Local exchange & access

Exchange	Stock Exchange of Thailand
Code	SET
Website	www.set.or.th
Currency	THB

Local broker access

Foreign investors can access Thai equities through international brokers offering market access to the SET, including Interactive Brokers, Saxo Bank, and several regional brokers. Local Thai brokers such as Kasikorn Securities, SCB Securities, Bualuang Securities, and KGI Securities also accept non-resident accounts subject to documentation requirements. Foreign ownership of SET-listed shares is generally unrestricted for most companies, though certain sectors (media, telecom, land) impose foreign ownership caps under the Foreign Business Act. Dividends are subject to a 10% withholding tax for foreign investors. US-based investors may also gain exposure via US-listed ETFs or the limited ADR market.

Global brokers with foreign-market access

• Interactive Brokers — Direct access to 90+ markets worldwide, including many emerging exchanges.
• Saxo Bank — Multi-market access across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
• Charles Schwab (Global) — Foreign ordinary shares on select markets; US-listed ADRs and ETFs.
• Fidelity International Trading — International stock trading on a number of developed and emerging markets.

Listed for convenience only — not a recommendation. Available markets, fees and onboarding rules differ by broker and by your country of residence.

Relocation & residency

Foreign-investor access

Thailand is a popular relocation destination for retirees, digital nomads, and expatriate professionals in Asia. The LTR Visa and Thailand Privilege Visa provide structured long-stay options. Cost of living is moderate to low compared to Western markets, and Bangkok offers world-class private healthcare. Foreign nationals generally cannot own land freehold but may own condominium units outright up to 49% of a building's total area. Non-immigrant retirement visas (O-A) remain available for those aged 50+ who do not qualify for or seek the LTR programme.