In brief
Thailand’s manufacturing sector had a noteworthy surge in October, with the purchasing managers’ index rising to 54.8—its best reading since December 2025. The increase was driven by a rapid expansion in production and a sharp uptick in new orders, although companies face growing backlogs due to limited workforce capacity. Analysts from S&P Global note that a reading above 50 signals expansion and highlights a positive outlook for the goods‑producing industry.
Thailand’s manufacturing sector expanded in October, with the purchasing managers’ index, or PMI, climbing to 54.8, the highest level since December for 2025, according to a Xinhua report released on November 2, 2026. The index moved from 54.3 in September, signaling that the industry is clearly growing.
The sharp move reflects a rapid expansion in production, the fastest pace since the last December, driven by more new orders and a larger customer base. S&P Global, which compiled the index, said the improvement shows that companies are optimistic about the sector’s future.
However, the rally has also led to an accumulation of unfinished orders. Backlogs are growing, and companies are citing a limited workforce capacity as a key reason for the slowdown between opening new orders and completing them.
Because the PMI is above 50, it marks growth in the goods‑producing sector and a shift away from contraction. The data shows that supply chain conditions are improving and that the manufacturing industry is more strongly positioned to meet demand.