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The conflict in the Middle East that erupted in late February 2026 has driven crude oil prices substantially higher

Sales of ready-to-eat food will increase through 2022-2024. The domestic market, the main source of income for the industry, will be buoyed by sales of instant noodles, as weak spending power encourages consumers to turn to low-cost foods. Sales of chilled and frozen food are also expected to rise with the spread of modern trade outlets, of which are the main distribution channel. In addition, ongoing urbanization is also encouraging consumers to adopt lifestyles that place a greater premium on convenience and speed, which will naturally translate into stronger sales of ready-to-eat meals.

The new wave of domestic COVID-19 infections has impacted the Thai economy, slowing the recovery and increasing the risk that the country will struggle against the long-lasting pandemic. Krungsri Research has thus carried out a fresh analysis of the domestic impacts of the latest outbreak of COVID-19 on industry and households and the subsequent prospects for recovery. The results indicate that businesses connected to tourism, restaurants and transportation remain hardest-hit sectors, while income for unskilled workers will be more sharply reduced than will that of skilled laborers. However, middle-income earners and lower-income earners in urban areas will be the most severely affected and will have to endure the slowest recovery.

Trump rolls back tariffs on key food products to help lower living cost. Chinese economy continues to weaken.

COVID-19 crisis has hurt tourism industry disrupted supply chains, caused negative income effects

IMF sees big challenges for the global economy, shaped by lingering effects of the Russian-Ukraine war, a cost-of-living crisis, and economic slowdown in China

Supply disruption may persist after Trump rejected Iran’s proposal. Thailand faces rising inflation amid higher cost-push pressures.

In 2026, modern retail businesses are facing pressure from a slowing Thai economy, which is weighing on purchasing power amid ongoing global uncertainties. As a result, middle- to lower-income consumers are increasingly prioritizing essential goods

Over 2022 to 2024, overall income for the Thai beverage industry will rise in step with the improving outlook for the domestic market since this is the industry’s main source of income. The continuing impact of COVID-19 on domestic consumer spending power meant that the value of goods distributed to the market in 2021 continued the decline that began in 2020, but over the next 3 years, domestic sales will rebound to growth on the back of economic recovery and a revival in the tourism sector

Indonesia's economy is driven primarily by domestic demand, with private consumption accounting for 55.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2026, supported by a large working-age population with a low average age. This consumption-led growth relies on middle-income households as a key source of purchasing power.