Bangkok: The "Thai Helps Thai Plus" campaign has contributed to a modest recovery in the consumer price index, marking the first improvement in four months.
According to Thai News Agency, the consumer confidence index for June 2026 experienced an increase for the first time in several months, influenced by the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" campaign, a de-escalation of conflict in the Middle East, and a drop in oil prices. Despite this progress, concerns about the cost of living and the economic outlook persist, keeping the index below average levels.
Associate Professor Dr. Thanawat Polvichai, President of the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, joined by Assistant Professor Dr. Wirich Kunakornwiphap, Vice President for Strategy and Dean of the Faculty of Economics, and Mr. Watit Raktham, Assistant Director of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, announced the findings of the Consumer Confidence Index and the Thai Chamber of Commerce Confidence Index for June 2026.
Dr. Thanawat reported that the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for June rose to 50.7 from 49.5 in May, marking the first improvement in four months. He noted that consumers were less anxious about the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran due to a temporary ceasefire, which brought about lower global and domestic oil prices. Concurrently, the government's "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" measures aimed at stimulating domestic spending have fostered a more positive environment for consumption and purchasing power.
Additional positive factors include growth in Thai exports, an increase in the Thai stock market, ongoing tourism promotions attracting both domestic and international tourists, and enhanced production of certain agricultural products, which benefits farmers and stimulates spending in regional areas.
The survey also indicated increases in various indices: the overall economic confidence index rose from 43.1 to 44.1, the job opportunity confidence index climbed from 47.5 to 48.7, and the future income confidence index improved from 57.9 to 59.3. The current consumer confidence index saw an increase from 33.6 to 34.5, while the future consumer confidence index rose from 57.3 to 58.7.
However, all indices remain below 100, indicating continued consumer uncertainty regarding the economic climate, employment, and future income. Factors such as geopolitical instability, high production costs, the cost of living, household debt, the impact of low-cost imported goods, and PM2.5 air pollution in certain regions continue to challenge consumer and business confidence.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanawat anticipates that consumer spending will remain cautious, but consumption is expected to gradually recover in the third quarter due to the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" measures, which are set to continue until September 2026. Should the Middle East conflict reach a sustainable resolution and oil prices remain stable, a clearer recovery in consumer confidence and domestic spending is projected towards the end of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter.
According to the survey results, the Thai Chamber of Commerce's Confidence Index for June stood at 41.4, a slight decrease of 0.3 points from the previous month, highlighting ongoing business concerns about the economic landscape. While the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" measures have supported spending and tourism to some extent, they have not sufficed for a comprehensive business recovery. Businesses urge the government to expedite measures to aid credit, debt restructuring, and reduce operating costs to enhance liquidity and stimulate future economic recovery.