FX.co ★ Thailand Retail Sales Jumps 47% in December

Retail sales in Thailand surged 46.9% year-on-year in December 2025, sharply up from a 15.6% increase in November. The expansion was broad-based, with notable strength in both durable and non-durable goods. Sales of durable goods rebounded, rising 5.5% after a 1.2% decline in November, while non-durable goods grew 6.5%, accelerating from 5.0%. Within non-durables, food sales advanced 14.2% (vs 11.8% previously), and beverages increased 4.0% (vs 1.3%), whereas tobacco sales contracted 5.2% after a 6.9% gain in the prior month.

Retail activity also strengthened across key outlets. Department stores, supermarkets, and general stores recorded a 4.0% increase (vs 5.2% in November). The motor vehicles and automotive fuel category returned to growth, rising 4.7% after a 6.7% fall, supported by a 14.5% jump in motor vehicle sales (vs -5.6%) and a 12.2% rise in vehicle maintenance services (vs 3.1%).

Other retail segments posted particularly strong gains, with sales up 117.0% year-on-year (vs 37.5% in November). This was driven by a 119.7% surge in new goods sold in specialized stores (vs 37.5%) and a 68.4% increase in online and mail-order sales (vs 63.2%).

On a monthly basis, retail sales climbed 21.1% in December, partially reversing a steep 34.9% decline in November.