Thailand: Home improvement H1 sales mirror weak buyer sentiment

Thai home improvement retailers posted mixed results in the first half of 2026 as they continued to navigate persistent headwinds at home and abroad. During the period, the retailers grappled with subdued domestic demand stemming from high household debt, rising costs of living, and low consumer confidence, with spending skewed towards necessities and low-cost goods. Aggravating the domestic concerns were geopolitical conditions that continued to weigh on oil prices and tourism.

To counter the impacts of domestic and international challenges, the Thai government implemented energy price caps  and subsidies of up to 60 per cent for eligible expenses. Retailers, however, maintained that recovery has been selective rather than across the board.  

Company financial statements accessed from the Stock Exchange of Thailand reflect the trading down effect of weak consumer sentiment, revealing that…