Vietnam accelerates on public investment and structural upgradeEstimates show Vietnam’s real GDP growth reached approximately 8 percent in 2025. Thailand confronts economic headwindsIn contrast, Thailand faces significant constraints. With a median age of 40 - compared with 30 in Vietnam - Thailand is aging rapidly, leading to labor shortages and rising healthcare costs. Dr Nonarit Bisonyabut, Senior Research Fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute, warned that Thailand risks falling behind. The OECD projects Vietnam’s GDP growth in 2026 could reach 6.2 percent, below the government’s target, due to potential export slowdowns.

Source: VietNamNet News February 19, 2026 02:06 UTC