Bangkok: Cross-border trade surged in the first month of 2026, growing by 50.7%. The Department of International Trade Promotion revealed that border and transit trade in January 2026 continued to expand, particularly transit trade which grew by 50.7%, contributing to an overall growth of 10.9% compared to the same period last year. The department is also proceeding with the Southern Trade Fair at the end of March to proactively promote trade.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Arada Fuengthong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, revealed that border and transit trade in January 2016 totaled 161,135 million baht, an increase of 10.9%. This comprised exports of 87,977 million baht, an increase of 12.6%, and imports of 73,158 million baht, an increase of 9.0%, resulting in a trade surplus of 14,819 million baht for Thailand.
For border trade with the four neighboring countries, the total value was 68,613 million baht, a decrease of 18.2%. Exports totaled 38,748 million baht, a decrease of 23.4%, and imports totaled 29,865 million baht, a decrease of 10.3%. Thailand still maintained a trade surplus of 8,883 million baht.
Malaysia remains the number one border trade partner, valued at 30,043 million baht, followed by Laos at 24,136 million baht and Myanmar at 14,434 million baht. Meanwhile, border trade between Thailand and Cambodia in the same month was zero.
Cross-border trade to third countries totaled 92,522 million baht, a 50.7% increase. This comprised exports of 49,229 million baht, a 78.9% increase, and imports of 43,293 million baht, a 27.8% increase.
The main transit markets are China, valued at 50,547 million baht, an increase of 45.8%, followed by Singapore at 18,942 million baht, an increase of 115.9%, and Vietnam at 7,367 million baht, an increase of 41.1%.
Major transit export products include hard disk drives (8,333 million baht), telephones and accessories (6,840 million baht), and fresh durian (6,569 million baht).
Ms. Arada stated that the start of 2026 marks a positive sign for border and transit trade, primarily driven by continued growth in transit exports to China, Singapore, and Vietnam.
From March 26-29, 2026, the Department of International Trade will organize the 'Southern Trade Connect @ Nakhon Si Thammarat' event at the plaza in front of Central Nakhon Si Thammarat shopping mall. This event aims to provide trade opportunities and enhance the potential of Thai entrepreneurs. Interested parties can find more details at www.dft.go.th, Facebook 'Department of International Trade DFT', and the DFT Call Center hotline 1385.