Thailand cannot afford to ignore Vietnam's momentum, said Jongjarern Jomjakra, assistant chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (ThaiCham). Vietnam's government set an ambitious target of 10% annual GDP growth by 2030, after recording an estimated 8% expansion in 2025. These moves are designed to draw tourists away from Thailand, which has long been the region's tourism powerhouse, he said. By opening up to private enterprise, foreign investment and global trade, Vietnam set itself on a path to become one of Asia's fastest-growing economies. In 2024, Vietnam attracted US$38 billion in foreign direct investment, compared with $32 billion for Thailand, Mr Jongjarern said.

Source: Bangkok Post January 09, 2026 23:31 UTC