In brief
Thai manufacturers reported a rise in the purchase managers’ index to 54.8 in October, up from 54.3 in September, indicating solid growth. Production expanded at the fastest pace since last December, while new orders and a widening customer base accelerated output, despite rising work‑force constraints that are piling up backlogs. The data, released by Xinhua and cited by S&P Global, underscored a broad improvement in operating conditions across the sector.
On November 2, Xinhua reported that Thailand’s manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) had risen to 54.8 in October, up from 54.3 in September, marking the highest level since December 2025. The data, released on Monday, signalled a sharp improvement in overall operating conditions across the goods‑producing sector.
The PMI rise reflects output that expanded at the fastest pace since last December, driven by improving demand and an expanding customer base. S&P Global, cited by the agency, said the surge in new orders and successful promotional efforts lifted factory activity to record levels.
However, the report also highlighted that reduced workforce capacity is contributing to accumulating backlogs, as unfinished orders have risen at the strongest pace in nearly a year. The growing demand, coupled with limited labour supply, appears to be stressing the supply chain.
Overall, the figures suggest that Thailand’s manufacturing sector is growing faster than it has in recent months, while the challenges of workforce constraints are beginning to set in. The PMI reading of 54.8—well above the 50‑point threshold that separates expansion from contraction—indicates solid growth and optimism among firms about the growth outlook this year.
