Thailand’s economic outlook is moderating amid Middle East tensions, which are contributing to higher costs, softer tourism, and weaker domestic demand.

ASEAN’s automotive sector is undergoing a complex transition shaped by electrification, digitalisation, and decarbonisation, while remaining a key global production hub.

Indonesia’s gig economy remains relatively small but continues to expand alongside digital platform development in sectors such as transport, logistics, and freelancing.

The nature-positive transition presents an estimated $10 trillion annual opportunity by 2030, offering pathways to resilient growth and competitive advantage.

Thailand’s economy is projected to moderate amid softer global demand, high household debt, and ongoing structural constraints.

A critical opportunity emerges to strengthen the world’s largest trade agreement amid rising global uncertainty and fragmentation. Although regional integration has improved, utilisation remains uneven, particularly among ASEAN members.

A prolonged Iran conflict could have widespread impacts across global corporate sectors through higher energy prices, supply-chain disruptions, and weaker demand driven by inflation and declining consumer confidence.

Critical minerals have become central to global geopolitics due to their essential role in clean energy technologies and the growing competition to secure supply chains.

Middle East tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran have intensified, raising concerns over global energy supply disruptions and higher transport costs, particularly affecting energy-importing economies in Asia. In Thailand, headline inflation remained negative at –0.88% YoY in February for the 11th consecutive month, while core inflation rose slightly and business sentiment improved. However, higher oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions could increase inflation and reduce GDP growth, given Thailand’s reliance on Middle Eastern crude imports.