Southeast Asia in September 2026: the most important developments in economy
In September 2026, Southeast Asia's economic news was led by flooding in Bangkok and its effect on Thai Airways. Floods from about September 26 shut sections of the State Railway of Thailand's Eastern Line, led three banks to close 113 branches on September 27, and prompted the transport ministry to set up a flood war room. Thai Airways faced a baggage crisis at Suvarnabhumi Airport, cancelled 37 more flights on September 29 after earlier cancellations, and its chief executive apologised and set a 72-hour target to clear the backlog. On September 30 the airline halted cargo intake for seven days, and Toyota suspended production at four factories in Thailand.
Thailand's other main stories were data centres and trade. It halted construction and approvals for 49 data centre projects on September 4 while it writes new rules, citing strain on electricity and water. A Thai business group raised its 2026 growth forecast, Fitch upgraded the country's rating, and on September 28 Thailand and the United States reached an in-principle deal in tariff talks. Thai factories suspended work as orders fell and costs rose, and the cabinet extended a 1,000-baht co-pay aid programme to November.
Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau closed Jakarta's main airport and seven others on September 6 and 7, before they reopened. Oil prices approached or topped $100 per barrel after attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, raising jet fuel costs; Malaysia Airlines raised fares 30 percent and AirAsia shares fell 21% amid funding concerns. China opened the Pinglu Canal and the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning on September 17, and ASEAN aimed to bring an upgraded goods trade pact into force by the end of 2026.
Vietnam was reclassified as an emerging market by FTSE Russell, the Asian Development Bank raised its growth forecast for Vietnam to 7.8%, and the country neared a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States. Indonesia tightened coal rules as exports reached $18.1 billion, and Singapore's exports rose 46% in August.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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