Mountain to Climb

Thailand vs Malaysia: economic convergence

If Thailand grew 1.8% a year and Malaysia 2.5% a year, Thailand would never catch up with Malaysia on GDP per capita (PPP).

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If Thailand grew 1.8% a year and Malaysia 2.5% a year, Thailand would never catch up with Malaysia on GDP per capita (PPP).

Latest data (2025)

CountryGDP per capita (PPP)
Thailand$22,432
Malaysia$35,461

Thailand is at 63% of Malaysia's level.

Scenario

Thailand grows 1.8% a year (trailing 10-year average) and Malaysia grows 2.5% a year (trailing 10-year average). A scenario, not a forecast: the result follows only from the stated growth rates.

YearThailandMalaysia
2026$22,836$36,348
2031$24,966$41,124
2036$27,295$46,528
2041$29,842$52,643
2046$32,626$59,560
2051$35,670$67,387
2056$38,998$76,242
2061$42,637$86,261
2066$46,615$97,597
2071$50,964$110,422
2076$55,719$124,932

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Source: World Bank (NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.KD). Mountain to Climb · World Bank data · Scenario: Thailand 1.8%, Malaysia 2.5%