Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has painted a bright picture of the Thai economy, saying it will start to thrive in 2018 as the government's efforts are bearing fruit and pressures from beyond the country's borders subside.
"Next year will be the one when the Thai economy takes off and the first quarter will be the most important time," he said. "We hope that nothing interrupts the laying of a stronger foundation for the country's economy."
Thailand's economy has been stuck in subpar growth since 2013, crippled by political tensions, swelling household debt, soft farm product prices and tepid private investment.
But economic growth this year is expected to approach its potential of 4-5% after GDP expanded at an annual rate of 3.8% for the nine months to September, thanks largely to solid exports, tourism and state investment.
The Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee at its year-end meeting on Wednesday upgraded Thailand's economic outlook to 3.9% for this year and next, up from its September estimate of 3.8%, following the surprise growth in exports of 10% for the 11 months to November.
Mr Somkid said several pressures from abroad have eased after the International Civil Aviation Organisation removed its red-flag warning for Thailand and the European Union had agreed to resume political contact "at all levels".
Government representatives will visit several countries in the EU to create a strategic partnership with Thailand, focusing on bilateral agreements, Mr Somkid said.
Geopolitics are a crucial issue in Asean, he said, as China, Japan and South Korea are making regional inroads and Thailand's strategic location makes it a pivotal crossroads for political and economic links.
Mr Somkid is bullish on the Thai stock market's prospects in the year ahead, with the regional and global economy on the rise.
He said the private sector should take the opportunity to raise capital after the fund-mobilisation window reopens.