Factory and business closure figures show the wider strain. Data from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and Department of Industrial Works recorded 156 factory closures in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 11.4%, against 139 new openings, down 63.9%. Closures exceeded openings for the first time in 10 quarters.
Across business sectors, 7,024 businesses registered their dissolution in the first half of 2026, up 12.5%. Their combined registered capital reached 98.9 billion baht, an increase of 224.1%.
Digital adoption has yet to deliver stronger sales
The TMBThanachart survey also identified weaknesses in business planning. About 33% of SMEs had little long-term planning or worked with plans…