Bangkok: Positive economic indicators are emerging as Thailand's border and transit trade continues to surge, complemented by government efforts to advance a significant trade fair in the South.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Arada Fuengthong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, reported that in January 2016, Thailand's border and transit trade reached a total of 161,135 million baht, reflecting a 10.9% increase. The trade included exports amounting to 87,977 million baht, marking a 12.6% increase, and imports of 73,158 million baht, up by 9.0%, resulting in a trade surplus of 14,819 million baht for the nation.
For border trade with neighboring countries, the total value decreased by 18.2% to 68,613 million baht. Exports amounted to 38,748 million baht, a decrease of 23.4%, and imports were 29,865 million baht, down by 10.3%. Despite these declines, Thailand maintained a trade surplus of 8,883 million baht. Malaysia emerged as Thailand's top border trade partner with a trade value of 30,043 million baht, followed by Laos at 24,136 million baht, and Myanmar at 14,434 million baht. Notably, there was no border trade with Cambodia during this period.
Cross-border trade to third countries saw a robust increase, totaling 92,522 million baht, up by 50.7%. This included exports of 49,229 million baht, a significant increase of 78.9%, and imports of 43,293 million baht, which increased by 27.8%. The primary transit markets included China, with a trade value of 50,547 million baht, up by 45.8%, followed by Singapore at 18,942 million baht, an impressive increase of 115.9%, and Vietnam at 7,367 million baht, up by 41.1%.
The major export products in transit trade were hard disk drives valued at 8,333 million baht, telephones and accessories at 6,840 million baht, and fresh durian at 6,569 million baht. Ms. Arada noted that the beginning of 2026 signals a positive trend for border and transit trade, primarily fueled by continued growth in exports to China, Singapore, and Vietnam.
In a bid to further enhance trade opportunities and the potential of Thai entrepreneurs, the Department of International Trade is organizing the 'Southern Trade Connect @ Nakhon Si Thammarat' event from March 26-29, 2026. The event will take place at the plaza in front of Central Nakhon Si Thammarat. Additional details can be accessed at www.dft.go.th, the Facebook page 'Department of International Trade DFT', and through the DFT Call Center hotline 1385.