Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,489.73 points, decreased 17.11 points or 1.14%, with a trading value of THB 81.68 billion. The analyst stated that the Thai market declined following the selloff of DELTA, as it faced pressure from the Cash Balance restriction, effective until April 30, 2026. Additionally, weakening global oil prices also put negative sentiment toward PTTEP, while other sectors remained relatively stable.
The analyst noted that market participants are monitoring the second round of U.S.-Iran negotiations, potentially at the end of this week or the beginning of the next, and expects steady movements from the Thai bourse tomorrow.
Thailand is evaluating whether to increase its public debt ceiling following rising energy costs caused by unrest in the Middle East. Government officials highlight that escalating oil prices are threatening to drive up inflation and dampen economic growth, particularly by affecting tourism confidence.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that the government is currently assessing whether to raise the self-imposed cap on public debt, which now stands at 70 percent of gross domestic product. This follows a previous adjustment from 60 percent to 70 percent of GDP in 2021 to provide financial support during the pandemic.
China reported a 5.0% rise in gross domestic product for the first quarter of 2026, outperforming expectations and exceeding the previous quarter’s 4.5% growth rate. The stronger performance was propelled primarily by a notable increase in exports, which expanded 14.7% during the three-month period.
The UK economy expanded by 0.5% in February 2026, well above economists’ predictions and following marginal GDP growth of 0.1% in January. Both the services and production sectors recorded 0.5% growth for the month, with construction output climbing by 1%.
Economists polled had anticipated a much more modest 0.1% increase for February. Despite the robust data, analysts have commented that these figures provide only a backward-looking snapshot, as military actions between the U.S. and Iran at the end of February have since reshaped the economic landscape.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that discussions involving Israel and Lebanon are set to begin on Thursday. The announcement comes as diplomacy intensifies following attempts to reduce conflict in the region.
According to a senior U.S. official, Trump previously expressed openness to an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, the official clarified that Lebanon is not part of ongoing U.S. peace negotiations with Iran and noted that Washington has not proposed Lebanon’s participation in those talks.
