Thailand Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Thailand's budget deficit was -2.60% in 2025, ranked 82nd globally. This represents a 100.5% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1995–2025.
Overview
Thailand's budget deficit stood at -2.60% in 2025, a decline of +1.30% from 2024. The IMF projects -2.60% by 2025. Thailand ranked 82nd globally.
Thailand’s primary budget deficit has narrowed sharply from an all‑time peak of 3.05 percent of GDP in 1995 to a historic trough of –9.02 percent in 1999, reflecting the fiscal consolidation that followed the Asian financial crisis. After a long period of modest deficits, the IMF World Economic Outlook projects the 2025 deficit at –2.60 percent, ranking Thailand 82nd globally and placing it close to peers such as Mauritius (–2.56 percent) and Guatemala (–2.61 percent). The swing from a surplus‑type position in the late 1990s to a small deficit today suggests that fiscal policy has become more balanced, with spending growth largely matching revenue gains. Continued pressure on public finances from an aging population and infrastructure needs could broaden the gap, while disciplined expenditure controls and higher tax compliance would likely sustain the current modest deficit trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -2.40% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -2.39% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -2.40% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -2.45% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -2.47% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -2.60% | - | - |
| 2025 | -2.60% | −1.30% | #82 |
| 2024 | -1.29% | +0.68% | #129 |
| 2023 | -1.98% | +2.63% | #111 |
| 2022 | -4.61% | +2.14% | #60 |
| 2021 | -6.74% | −2.28% | #44 |
| 2020 | -4.47% | −4.90% | #126 |
| 2019 | 0.43% | +0.22% | #146 |
| 2018 | 0.20% | +0.62% | #137 |
| 2017 | -0.42% | −0.83% | #141 |
| 2016 | 0.41% | +0.23% | #160 |
| 2015 | 0.19% | +0.89% | #166 |
| 2014 | -0.70% | −1.30% | #141 |
| 2013 | 0.60% | +1.46% | #161 |
| 2012 | -0.86% | −0.95% | #126 |
| 2011 | 0.09% | +1.16% | #147 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Thailand matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Thailand's budget deficit was -2.60% in 2025. Ranked 82nd globally. This represents a 100.5% decrease from the previous year.
Thailand's budget deficit peaked at 3.05% in 1995.
The lowest budget deficit in Thailand was -9.02% in 1999.
Thailand ranks 82nd globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Thailand's budget deficit is projected to reach -2.60% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Thailand in 2025 was -2.60%. This ranks 82nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_thailand_budget-deficit,
title = {Thailand Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/thailand/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}