Thailand’s digital economy is projected to grow 19% year-on-year to US$72 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) this year.
With strong digital foundations and government backing, highlighted by Thailand’s national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy for digital sovereignty, governance, talent and competitiveness, the country’s digital economy is projected to reach $104 billion by 2030 and $167 billion by 2035, according to the latest e-Conomy SEA 2026 report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company.
E-commerce remains the largest growth engine as platforms focus on profitability and businesses expand their use of AI.
E-commerce GMV is forecast to rise 20% year-on-year to $43 billion in 2026, reaching $102 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%.
Online travel is projected to grow 12% to $14 billion in GMV this year, with the market on track to reach $26 billion by 2035, supported by AI-powered solutions in destination marketing and online travel.
Online media revenue is expected to increase 21% to $9 billion in 2026 and reach $17 billion by 2035.
Mobility and food delivery platforms are projected to grow 19% to $7 billion this year, driven by market consolidation and a growing focus on profitability among operators. The combined value is forecast to reach $21 billion by 2035, representing a 12% CAGR.
Digital financial services maintained double-digit growth, led by lending and payments.
Digital payments are projected to reach $215 billion in gross transaction value this year, up 19% year-on-year, before rising to $323 billion in 2030 and $425 billion by 2035.
Digital lending is the fastest-growing financial segment, with loan book balances expected to increase 24% to $21 billion this year. The value is forecast to reach $41 billion by 2030 and $64 billion by 2035, supported by virtual banks targeting underserved consumers and small businesses.
Digital insurance recorded steady growth, with gross written premiums and annual premium equivalent reaching $1.1 billion in 2026, up 11% year-on-year.
The segment is on track to reach $1.93 billion in 2030 and $3.25 billion by 2035, bolstered by new electronic issuance requirements for compulsory motor policies.
Meanwhile, private funding totalled $200 million across 11 deals in the first half of 2026, including investments in data centres and digital financial services.
Thailand has secured a pioneering position in Southeast Asia for AI usage intensity, consumer trustand local adaptability, noted the report.
The country has 31 million generative AI (GenAI) users, representing 63% of the working population, who generate 21 billion queries annually.
Thailand ranks third in the region for per-capita AI usage depth (15 million tokens per user) and leads Southeast Asia in usage frequency, with users averaging 2.7 AI sessions per week across everyday digital economy and lifestyle tasks.
The nation ranks second in the region for daily GenAI adoption (22% of the working population).
“Thailand has strongly reaffirmed its position as an AI pioneer in Southeast Asia, with its digital economy reaching $72 billion in GMV and the country leading the region in AI usage frequency, proving that Thais and local businesses are mastering technology to enrich daily life and work,” said Rafael Scislowski, country manager for Google Thailand.
