Mercer Projects 5.2% Salary Increase for Thai Employees in 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 19 2025
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Source: Newsfilter
- Salary Growth Trend: According to Mercer's Total Remuneration Survey 2025, the average employee salary in Thailand is projected to increase by 5.2% in 2026, slightly above the 5% increase in 2025, indicating a sustained demand for talent and a focus on compensation by companies.
- Industry Differentiation: The Energy sector is expected to see the highest salary increase at 6.0%, followed by Consumer Goods at 5.7% and Automotive at 5.5%, reflecting the intense competition for specialized skills across different industries.
- Incentive Plan Adjustments: The survey reveals that 95.3% of companies have implemented short-term incentive plans, with long-term incentives rising from 19.3% in 2024 to 38.2% in 2025, indicating a shift in strategies to attract and retain talent.
- Increased Flexible Benefits: 23.5% of companies are offering flexible benefits to professionals, with Health Insurance, Leisure/Sports Club Subscriptions, and Medical Check-ups being the leading components, showcasing a growing emphasis on diverse employee needs in compensation structures.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
