Thai Retailers Association requests government support to boost spending
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The Thai Retailers Association (TRA), led by president Natha Vongphanich, requested that the government implement short-, medium-, and long-term measures to stimulate the retail sector, citing weakened consumer purchasing power driven by high household debt, which stood at 89.5% of GDP in the first quarter of 2026. The association proposed reviving the Easy E-Receipt scheme, extending the 'Thai Chuey Thai Plus' co-payment program, and introducing VAT refunds for foreign travelers to boost domestic spending. Additionally, the TRA called for stricter regulation of e-commerce marketplaces and suggested tax incentives to encourage regional investment and lower lifestyle product prices. Despite these challenges, the TRA forecasted the retail industry to reach 4.38 trillion baht in 2026, a 3% increase from 2025.
Consequences
If the government adopts the TRA's proposals, the retail industry may see increased domestic consumption and improved competitiveness against incoming foreign goods. These measures could help the sector grow by an anticipated 3-3.5% to reach 4.5 trillion baht by 2027, provided tourism-driven recovery remains steady.
Sources
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