Thailand recorded its strongest trade growth in four years in January 2026, with exports jumping 24.4% and imports rising 29.4%, far exceeding economic forecasts.

This surge was primarily driven by a global “upcycle” in demand for electronics related to artificial intelligence and data centers, providing a significant boost to the Thai economy as the government navigates complex trade relations with the United States and China.

Key Points

• Thai exports and imports reached their highest growth rates since late 2021, fueled by outbound electronic shipments and high demand for raw materials and machinery.
• Trade officials attributed the export spike to genuine demand for AI-related technology rather than the transshipment of Chinese goods through Thailand to avoid tariffs.
• Thailand maintained a $4.8 billion trade surplus with the United States in January, while running a $7.2 billion trade deficit with China.
• The Commerce Ministry is prioritizing continued trade talks with the U.S. to maintain cooperation and mitigate the impact of proposed 15% global tariffs.
• The strong trade data provides political momentum for Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s coalition government, which has pledged to improve Thailand’s economic growth relative to its regional competitors.

The Ministry of Commerce clarified that the export spike is a result of genuine demand rather than the transshipment of Chinese goods. This economic boost arrives as the caretaker government looks to accelerate Thailand’s growth to remain competitive with other major Southeast Asian economies.

What specific technological trends contributed to the 24.4% jump in Thai exports in January 2026?

the specific technological trends and factors that contributed to the 24.4% jump in Thai exports are:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): The surge was primarily driven by high global demand for electronic components specifically related to AI technology.
• Data Centers: There was a significant “upcycle” in demand for electronics tied to the development and operation of data centers.
• Electronics Sector Upcycle: The broader electronics industry experienced a growth phase, leading to increased outbound shipments of electronic products.
• Inbound Demand for Infrastructure: While exports rose, the document also notes stronger demand for raw materials and machinery, which supported the overall trade activity linked to these sectors.

The Ministry of Commerce, specifically Nantapong Chiralerspong (Director-General of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office), clarified that this spike was a result of genuine demand for these specific technologies rather than the transshipment of Chinese goods through Thailand to avoid tariffs

Other People are Reading

Savannah Guthrie has taken to social media to announce that her family is willing to pay up to US$1 million (approximately $1.41 million) for information that can lead to the whereabouts of her mom Nancy.

Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February 1.

Guthrie Family Raises Reward

In a video posted on social media, Savannah Guthrie also acknowledged the possibility that her mom may already have passed away.

“We also know that she may be lost, she may already be gone,” she tearfully said in the video. “She may already have gone home to the Lord that she loves and is dancing in Heaven… and if this is what is to be, then we will accept it.”

“But we need to know where she is,” the “Today” host emphasized. “We need her to come home.”

According to PEOPLE, the family also donated US$500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

A source close to the family also explained to PEOPLE why the family chose to raise the reward. The FBI’s reward of US$100,000 (approximately $141,000) remains active.

“The family first raised this on the first day of the investigation and has been ready to do this ever since,” the source said.

The source added, “They were advised by all involved in the investigation that doing so earlier might overwhelm the infrastructure set up to field leads, tens of thousands of which have been coming in organically.”

Savannah Guthrie’s full video is available below.

Nancy Guthrie Is Still Missing

Since her February 1 disappearance, Nancy Guthrie has yet to be found. She is believed to have been kidnapped by an armed man.

Nancy Guthrie’s surveillance cameras were able to capture the masked man, and the FBI described him as “male, approximately 5’9″ – 5’10” tall, with an average build.”

However, authorities are not ruling out that this masked man may have had an accomplice.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that the search for the “Today” show host’s mom could take years.

“Maybe it’s an hour from now,” Nanos said, per The New York Times. “Maybe it’s weeks or months or years from now. But we won’t quit. We’re going to find Nancy. We’re going to find this guy.”