Driven by growing AI demand, increased data center investments, and export advantages from a depreciating Thai Baht, Thailand’s Digital Industry Sentiment Index rose to 48.4 in Q2/2026. Although the index remains in the non-confidence territory below 50, local digital enterprises anticipate a rebound to 51.6 over the next three months, buoyed by expected government spending and fiscal stimulus outcomes.
Demand for AI and Export Advantages Drive Sentiment Recovery
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) reported a multi-point surge in the Q2/2026 Digital Industry Sentiment Index from 44.5 in the previous quarter. This upward movement reflects widespread recovery across key business sub-indices, including trade volume, production, orders, employment, and capital investments. Increased demand for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronics from core trading partners, notably the US and China, further fueled sector gains.
Despite these positive developments, rising operational pressures prevented the index from crossing into full confidence. Global oil and energy price volatility, driven by geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, led to higher freight costs. Simultaneously, sharp increases in electronic component and semiconductor prices squeezed overall profit margins.
“This positive movement was driven by increasing investments in data centers, growing demand for electronics and PCBs from key trading partners like the US and China, the weakest Thai Baht in a year supporting exports, and short-term domestic economic stimulus measures that helped sustain consumer purchasing power,” said Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Acting President/CEO of depa.
Sub-Sector Performance and Outlook for Q3/2026
Performance across all five sub-sectors tracked by depa improved during the quarter, with three industries returning to the confidence zone above 50.0. The Software sector reached 51.1, Digital Service recorded 50.6, and Telecommunication stabilized at 50.0. Meanwhile, Digital Content scored 46.8, and the Hardware and Smart Device sector remained at 42.9 due to high component costs.
Looking ahead to the next quarter, digital entrepreneurs project the overall index to reach 51.6, moving back into positive territory. This optimistic outlook is grounded in expected budget disbursements during the final quarter of the fiscal year, alongside the implementation of long-term economic stimulus measures.
“Digital entrepreneurs expect the government to support the continuity of tax measures to promote high-skill employment and talent development. They also call for concrete support for high-growth sectors such as gaming and digital content, alongside fostering opportunities through E-commerce platforms,” Dr. Supakorn added. “Furthermore, they emphasize the need for public investment in shared infrastructure to reduce product development costs, while supporting businesses in transitioning to the Green Economy to unlock new opportunities in the global trade.”
Detailed findings and statistical breakdowns of the Q2/2026 Digital Industry Sentiment Index are available via depa’s official channels at www.depa.or.th/th/depakm/digital-indicators, LINE OA: depaThailand, and Facebook Page: depa Thailand.
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