Thailand worries over oil price spike

[webfact]

Thailand worries over oil price spike

By WICHIT CHAITRONG 
THE NATION

 

A journalist films the wreckage of a building described as part of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre (SSRC) compound in the Barzeh district, north of Damascus, during a press tour organised by the Syrian information ministry.//AFP PHOTO

 

Authorities keeping a close eye on economy, security following the strikes on Syria.

 

WHILE THE air strikes on Syria’s chemical weapons facilities would have a limited impact on the Thai stock market, the overall economy and other national interests, Thailand’s national security agency said yesterday that the country was on alert to prevent other, unexpected consequences. 

 

The United States and its French and British allies launched one-off strikes at three alleged chemical weapons facilities in Syria early on Saturday, after which President Donald Trump announced “mission accomplished” without any civilian casualties. 

 

The strikes neither seriously damaged the facilities – they had reportedly been evacuated beforehand – nor posed a threat to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. 

 

While the United Nations has vowed to conduct an investigation into Assad’s alleged chemical attacks in Syria, which reportedly killed more than 40 people, Trump threatened that the allies’ attack would be renewed if the regime continued to gas its own people. 

 

The western strikes, however, have created a rift among the superpowers with Russia, a long-time backer of the Assad regime, expressing its unreserved anger. As the one superpower directly involved in the situation, there are likely to be widespread implications on the region and, indeed, the world, said Wanlop Raksanoh, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC).

 

The NSC is optimistic that the situation will not escalate, he said, other than exerting some pressure on the oil price. While Thailand disagreed with the use of chemical weapons, the government wants all parties involved in the dispute to exercise restraint, Wanlop said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has not yet announced any special measures following the escalation of hostilities, he said, but he noted that Thailand would consider the matter in accordance with international law as a member of the UN.

 

Regarding the economy, experts said yesterday that the air strike on Syria would have a limited impact on the stock market and the Thai economy, which is estimated to grow slightly over 4 per cent this year, but that oil prices may rise in the short term.

 

Kobsak Pootrakool, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, expected a minimal impact on Thailand’s financial markets. Bourses around the world will reopen after the weekend today but the Stock Exchange of Thailand remains closed for Songkran. 

 

If other markets do not fall much today it would augur well when trading on the SET resumes tomorrow, he said. 

 

Looking at other possible risks to the economy, Kobsak said that geopolitical tensions in many parts of the world would continue to pose risks to the global economy, as well as to Thailand’s. While heightening regional political tensions have started to shake many people’s confidence, Kobsak was not fearful. “Although there are many uncertainties, the Thai economy will grow slightly above 4 per cent,” he said.

 

Anusorn Tamajai, dean of Rangsit University’s Economics Faculty, said one immediate impact of the air strikes on Syria was likely to be an increase in crude oil prices. Thailand heavily depends on oil imports.

 

“If the conflict escalates it will adversely impact the global economy and Thailand’s exports in the second half of this year,” said Anusorn.

Kobsidthi Silpachai, head of capital markets research at Kasikornbank, said the trade war between the United States and China may be more serious than the air strikes.

 

“On Syria, the markets would get panicky if Iran were implicated – that would send signal of a potential oil supply shock,” said Kobsidthi.

 

Prinn Panitchpakdi, managing director of CLSA Securities Thailand, did not foresee a great impact on the markets because there had been a muted response by Russia and Iran, Syria’s main allies, and no retaliatory action. “Maybe tension on the geopolitical front would cause the oil price to rise further in the short term,” he added. Meanwhile, major concerns have been raised over possible further harm to civilians in Syria. 

 

Raed Jarrar, advocacy director for Middle East North Africa at Amnesty International USA, said the Syrian people had already endured six years of devastating attacks, including chemical attacks, many of which amounted to war crimes. 

 

All precautions must be taken to minimise the harm to civilians from any military action, he said, and people already living in fear of losing their lives from unlawful attacks must not be further punished for the alleged violations of the Syrian government.

 

The Thai Foreign Ministry earlier warned Thai nationals in Israel, notably in the Golan Heights, which borders Syria, to closely monitor the situation and follow advice from local authorities. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/business/30343229

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-04-16

[YetAnother]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

While Thailand disagreed with the use of chemical weapons, the government wants all parties involved in the dispute to exercise restraint, Wanlop said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has not yet announced any special measures following the escalation of hostilities, he said, but he noted that Thailand would consider the matter in accordance with international law as a member of the UN.

thailand is a mere speck on the international scene

[Jeremy50]

Such corrupt countries should be prevented from taking any part in international politics, or even commenting. 

[mikebell]

Meanwhile millions of gallons of fuel go up in the nonsense of Songkran.

[BuaBS]

Higher oil prices would benefit Russia , Iran , Saudi A , Venezuela ....

And finally get some more inflation ... the kind central bankers like .

War is good business .

[Moti24]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

“If the conflict escalates it will adversely impact the global economy and Thailand’s exports in the second half of this year,” said Anusorn.

Kobsidthi Silpachai, head of capital markets research at Kasikornbank, said the trade war between the United States and China may be more serious than the air strikes.

 

Chemical attacks and bombings in Syria, and all Thailand is worried about is their economy!

 

I can't recollect any chemical attacks or air strikes in any trade wars.  

 

Just reiterates the meaning of, "Life is cheap in Thailand".  Nobody is going to give a shit, as long as the rich keep getting richer.

[Cake Monster]

I, for one,wishes that the price of Gasoline and Diesel in Thailand wold soar to about 70 Baht / Liter

 

This would certainly help reduce the road deaths as the price of the fuel for the missiles the Thais use on the roads will be cost prohibitive to many of them.

 

At 70 Baht / liter, Thailand would also find out pretty quickly how uncompetetive they are in the world of Commerce and Industry.

Edited April 16, 2018 by Cake Monster

[Aspaltso]

This country like the majority of emerging countries in Asia is addicted to oil. Indonesia just revoked their subsidies plan at the pump cause they didn't want to upset the masses, while all their infrustructure projects which were being paid for by the scheme are left unfinished. Maybe a rise in the price will do some good, but probably not.

[sangtip2]

I would like to see the price of oil go back to $100 .       Maybe there would not be as much traffic as there is now.

[BuaBS]

Obviously I don't want to pay more at the pump and with higher oil prices , Thailand could put even more of that yukky palmoil in my diesel.

But high oil price would bring back high inflation >>> recession or even a world economic depression , stock and bond market crash. And that's a good thing. Paper money must go to it's real value , which is just above toilet paper.

[cookieqw]

7 hours ago, Cake Monster said:

I, for one,wishes that the price of Gasoline and Diesel in Thailand wold soar to about 70 Baht / Liter

 

This would certainly help reduce the road deaths as the price of the fuel for the missiles the Thais use on the roads will be cost prohibitive to many of them.

 

At 70 Baht / liter, Thailand would also find out pretty quickly how uncompetetive they are in the world of Commerce and Industry.

you have obviously forgotten how innovative the thais are,  weld a few outriders on to the bike and they'll be able to carry more people

[ericthai]

8 hours ago, sangtip2 said:

I would like to see the price of oil go back to $100 .       Maybe there would not be as much traffic as there is now.

didn't really effect traffic last time.  What was a pain is Taskin govt had gas stations close at 11 or 12 at night some crazy time like that, made any last minute trips difficult. 

[observer90210]

Many here accuse Thailand to be addicted to oil !!??.....kindly enlighten my nimble brain, but which country is not ?????????..

 

As for Syria, their chemical warfare, the strikes by the coalitions that generate huge profit to specific business, why should anybody give a damm on the political aspect, as today, war is all just about power and money....the welfare of people is the last issue !!!...and it would be really naive to think the other way.

 

Consequently, one can fully understand Thailand to worry as they did not make another fairy tale casus beli, leading to the mess, that is creating global financial tsunamis on each strike,

 

In fact all the countries in the coalition should financially participate towards the other neutral nations in the EU or Asia to compensate the monetary fluctuations caused by their war games.

Edited April 16, 2018 by observer90210