Thailand's Economic and Social Development

The Thai economy recovered from the Asian economic crisis in 1997 with strong economic growth that averaged 5% in 2000-06. Poverty, which increased during the turmoil, is now lower than the pre-crisis level. Unemployment is around 1.5%, which is considered a little lower than the natural rate of unemployment. Economic stability is also strong, as demonstrated by the current account surplus, high foreign reserves, decreasing public debt, and non-performing loans (NPLs) in the banking sector. However, since 2005, the country has experienced political uncertainty, which led to a military intervention on the 19 September 2006. The interim government subsequently announced that a new election would be held towards the end of 2007.

Shaping Policy Reform and Peer Review in Southeast Asia: Integrating Economies Amid Diversity

Thailand's Economic and Social Development

Agenda under the Interim Government and View on Peer Review Mechanism