Thailand's border and transit trade increased 9.3% in May 2026

Imports expanded much faster than exports

The May figures show why the headline growth rate needs context. Total trade increased 9.3%, but imports grew nearly six times as fast as exports in percentage terms. Companies exposed mainly to outbound trade therefore saw a very different pattern from businesses tied to inbound flows.

For January through May 2026, combined border and transit trade reached THB909.534 billion, 9.1% higher than in the same period of 2025. Exports totalled THB510.776 billion, up 6.2%, while imports rose 13.1% to THB398.758 billion. The five-month trade surplus was THB112.018 billion.

For practical context, see Thailand economy and finance. This development also connects with EEC takes 39% of capital tied to foreign business approvals.

Transit flows offset a fall in direct border trade

Direct border trade with Thailand's four neighbouring countries was worth THB74.067 billion in May, down 13.5% year on year. Border exports fell 24.9% to THB41.130 billion, while imports increased 6.6% to THB32.937 billion. The ministry linked the weaker border segment partly to conditions affecting the Myanmar and Thailand-Cambodia routes.

Transit trade with third countries moved in the opposite direction. It rose 26.2% to THB145.424 billion, including THB91.238 billion of exports and THB54.185 billion of imports. China was the largest transit-trade partner at THB92.697 billion, while fresh durian alone accounted for THB39.462 billion of transit exports in May.

Route-level data matter more for operating decisions

For logistics operators, exporters and businesses located near border corridors, the national total is useful as context rather than a direct measure of local conditions. A 9.3% increase in combined trade does not imply stronger activity at every checkpoint, warehouse cluster or transport route when the border and transit segments are moving in opposite directions.

Decisions about capacity, distribution or a specific border location should therefore rely on figures for the relevant country, crossing and product category. The May report points to strong aggregate flows, but it does not support treating every border market as if it shared the same growth rate.