On 17 August 2026, Dr. Songtham Pinto, Senior Director of the Bank of Thailand, Northeastern Region Office, declared the Northeastern Region's economic and financial conditions in the second quarter of 2026, stating that the Northeastern Region's economic outlook for this quarter is in a state of“Balance” from the previous quarter.Even at the end of the quarter, government measures were taken to support purchasing power.
The high cost of living suppresses the purchasing power of Isan people.
The key factors that are pressing the economy come from shrinking private consumption after people face higher costs of living, especially as the situation of the conflict in the Middle East, which affects both fuel prices and the price of consumer goods, has led to fragile purchasing power already under increasing pressure.
Bot Information It said that despite measures to support consumption in June, it was not enough to compensate for the impact of the previous period, resulting in the 2nd quarter Isaan economy not being able to resume expansion.
Travel has shrunk. Travelers are buying higher and lower
The tourism sector is another area affected, with tourism revenues shrinking due to high purchasing power from outside the sector, fewer arrivals, in line with a decline in the number of flights, despite the expansion of short-haul and intra-regional tourism.
Information in the press release also indicates that although the number of visitors has increased, partly due to tourism among people in the region, while tourists are buying high from outside the region, which usually accounts for about one in five decreases in spending in Isaan, thus causing tourism revenue not to increase with the number of travelers.
Agriculture-Industry is back to expand, but the good results have reached a limited majority.
The positive side of the Isan economy lies in the growth of farmers' incomes and industrial production. The agricultural sector is supported by improved rubber production and cassava prices, while the industrial sector is supported by continued demand for electronic components from its partners.
However, the benefits are still few and far between, as farmers face higher production costs, while expanding industries account for a relatively small proportion of employment, with the expanding manufacturing segment accounting for only about 10% of all Isan manufacturing employment.
There is a chance of recovery in the second half of the year, but there is still
As for the outlook for the second half of the year 2026, the bot The Isan economy is expected to have an opportunity to “return to expansion” with private consumption likely to improve, according to government spending support measures, along with the tourism sector, which is expected to recover gradually.
However, uncertainty from the Middle East conflict situation, which may affect oil prices and the cost of living, as well as weather and drought risks in the second half of the year due to lower rainfall and low water storage in many large dams, must be monitored.
Considering the whole year 2026, the bot estimates thatThe Isan economy will be in the “stable to slightly expanding” phase.
Bank of Thailand moves to help SMEs – solve household debt
In the midst of the still-limiting recovery, the bot Taking care of the economy in tandem with specific measures, especially helping citizens and SMEs, increasing access to financing, solving household debt problems, and reducing financial costs.
SMEs Credit Boost ProjectThe loan has been approved at around 50 billion baht and is ready to move forward with SMEs Secure + and SMEs Credit Portal to help potential businesses access capital investment, adapt and maintain employment.
section."Can close the debt quickly and continue" projectNearly 140,000 accounts have been restructured, while several cuts to or cancellation of financial services fees are expected to reduce the burden on citizens and the business sector.Approximately 5 billion baht per year