30 September 2026, Bangkok – depa reported that the Digital Industry Sentiment Index for Q3/2026 increased from the previous quarter, bouncing back into the confidence level for the first time in five quarters. The increase was primarily driven by rapid production in hardware and smart devices to meet upcoming demand, accelerated exports ahead of the upcoming US import tariff hikes, promoting AI adoption, and the government’s accelerated budget spending at the end of the fiscal year. Digital entrepreneurs in Thailand have expressed expectations for government support, particularly in ensuring the continuity of tax incentives, promoting high-growth industries like gaming and digital content, boosting local content, and investing in shared infrastructure.
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) revealed the results of the Digital Industry Sentiment Index Survey for Q3/2026, covering five key sub-industries: Hardware and Smart Devices, Software, Digital Services, Digital Content, and Telecommunications. The overall index stood at 51.4, rising from 48.4 in the previous quarter, bouncing back into the confidence level for the first time in five quarters. This increase was attributed to recovery across most sub-indices, including business performance, production, trade and service volumes, orders and project partnerships, and business investment, while the employment sub-index saw a slight decline.
Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Acting President/CEO of depa, stated that the overall Digital Industry Sentiment Index for Q3/2026 improved from the previous quarter. This positive movement was driven by government budget disbursements at the end of the fiscal year increasing liquidity in the economy, growing global demand for AI technology and related devices, export acceleration to mitigate prospective US tariff hikes, and preparations for the year-end high season. However, internal and structural negative factors remained major pressures, particularly global raw material shortages that pushed up costs, forcing smaller firms to shift from full-time employees to freelancers to manage fixed expenses, as well as concerns over the declining proportion of local content, which lowers domestic value added and risks trade penalties or supply chain relocations in the long term.
Looking at the specific sectors in Q3/2026, performance improved across four sub-industries, with four sectors crossing over the 50-point threshold. The Hardware and Smart Devices sector was recorded at 50.2, Software at 56.5, Digital Services at 52.8, Telecommunications at 53.3, while Digital Content stood at 44.4.
“Digital entrepreneurs expect the government to support the continuity of tax measures to promote employment and talent development. They also call for concrete support for high-growth sectors such as gaming and digital content, alongside increasing the proportion of local content to enhance long-term competitiveness. Furthermore, they emphasize building global trust in Thai digital products and services as well as supporting investment in shared infrastructure to reduce product development costs.” said the Acting President/CEO of depa
As the Digital Industry Sentiment Index for Q3/2026 reflected renewed confidence, the survey indicates that entrepreneurs remain optimistic about a continuous recovery. Looking ahead over the next three months, the index is projected to rise further to 52.4, remaining firmly in the confidence level. Business performance, production volumes, and incoming orders are expected to gradually increase in the next quarter, driven by expanded demand from both public and private sectors, year-end contract negotiations, and peak holiday spending during the high season. However, recent heavy rain and flooding in central and eastern Thailand could temporarily slow down local business activity and investment.
All details and results of the Q3/2026 Digital Industry Sentiment Index are available on: https://short.depa.or.th/Ya2tl
