Bangkok: Thailand’s border and transit trade was valued at 145 billion Baht in January, marking a 2.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year, Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan announced on Sunday. The trade figures indicate a positive trend in the nation’s import and export activities. (100 Baht = RM13.05).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, exports saw a 3.8 percent rise to 78.037 billion Baht, while imports grew by 1.5 percent to 67.102 billion Baht. This resulted in a trade surplus of 10.935 billion Baht. The detailed analysis of border trade with neighboring countries-Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Cambodia-revealed a total trade value of 83.797 billion Baht, which represents a 1.7 percent increase.
The trade with neighboring countries included exports amounting to 50.528 billion Baht, a slight increase of 0.7 percent, and imports totaling 33.269 billion Baht, up by 3.3 percent. This led to a trade surplus of 17.26 billion Baht. Among the neighboring countries, Laos had the highest trade value at 25.228 billion Baht, followed by Malaysia at 24.256 billion Baht, Myanmar at 18.821 billion Baht, and Cambodia at 15.492 billion Baht.
Key export products during this period included diesel, valued at 4.209 billion Baht, refined petroleum products at 1.622 billion Baht, and other agricultural-industrial products at 1.323 billion Baht. Sasikan noted that the strong start to border and transit trade in early 2025 continues the growth momentum from 2024, especially with exports to China, which surged by 18.0 percent.
The government expressed appreciation for the contribution of Thai entrepreneurs in maintaining the growth in border and transit trade. Efforts to enhance trade cooperation with neighboring countries and international partners are ongoing, alongside initiatives to improve logistics and border trade efficiency. However, Sasikan warned of potential disruptions in Thai-Myanmar border trade due to crackdowns on call center operations along the border, which could impact diesel and refined exports.