Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Thailand
Thailand: Research & development spending as a share of GDP was 0.9% in 2023. ◆ Volatile
Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Thailand, 1996–2023
Source: UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of GDP.
Analysis
Thailand recorded 0.9% for research & development spending as a share of gdp in 2023.
That represents a change of down 19.2% on the previous year and up 112.0% over ten years.
Over the whole period, research & development spending as a share of gdp in Thailand peaked at 1.3% in 2020 and was at its lowest, 0.1%, in 1997.
That places Thailand 44th out of 116 countries with data for 2023, putting it in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 3 |
| 2000s | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 10 |
| 2010s | 0.7% | 0.4% | 1.1% | 8 |
| 2020s | 1.2% | 0.9% | 1.3% | 4 |
Countries ranked near Thailand
More science & technology data for Thailand
- Scientific and technical journal articles 16,656 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 115.13 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 160.64 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 160.64 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 7,375 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 90.9% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 867 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 0.9% (2023)
- Number of people using the Internet 61.16 million users (2021)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 14.89 per 100 people (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is research & development spending as a share of gdp in Thailand?
- Research & development spending as a share of gdp in Thailand was 0.9% in 2023, according to UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Thailand?
- The highest recorded value was 1.3% in 2020.
- What is the lowest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Thailand?
- The lowest recorded value was 0.1% in 1997.
- How does Thailand rank for research & development spending as a share of gdp?
- Thailand ranks 44th out of 116 countries with data for 2023.
- Is research & development spending as a share of gdp rising or falling in Thailand?
- Over the last ten years it is up 112.0%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Thailand data come from?
- The figures come from UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Research & development spending as a share of GDP. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Includes basic research, applied research, and experimental development.