Thailand's unemployment rate reached 0.95% in Q2 2026, the highest in seven quarters, with 400,000 people out of work (up 9.7% year on year). Insured unemployment hit 2.37%, the highest since March 2022, and 7,024 businesses deregistered in the first half, up 12.5%. Real wages fell 2.88% after adjusting for 2.70% inflation, with freelancers down 4.54%. SCB EIC expects continued pressure in the second half. For a small business, expect a looser hiring market and weaker consumer spending power, so plan staffing and pricing with caution.