Consumers remain sunk in worry over Covid-19, politics

[rooster59]

Consumers remain sunk in worry over Covid-19, politics

By The Nation

 

Pro-democracy activists launch a petition for 50,000 signatures needed for a motion to rewrite the Constitution at Thammasat University on Friday (August 7). Meanwhile consumers are worried about emerging political instability and the persisting impact of Covid-19.

 

Consumer confidence rose for a third consecutive month in July, but the index remains at a record low.

 

 

The Consumer Confidence Index moved to 50.1 in July, up from 49.2 in June, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said.

 

 “This is the third monthly increase in a row, but the index remains at a historic low since being launched 21 years and 10 months ago, Thanawat Polvichai, rector of UTCC and chief adviser to UTCC’s Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting, said on Friday (August 7).

 

The index rated the state of economy at 42.6, job opportunities at 48.4 and outlook for future income at 59.3 – far below the threshold of 100 and the lowest level in 21 years, he said.

 

Consumers lack confidence because they are worried about the threat of a second wave of virus infections, which will continue to drag down the economy and wipe away job opportunities.

 

On the positive side, the economy had bottomed out in the second quarter, Thanawat said.

 

However, consumers were delaying spending on durable goods such as cars and large household items over worry about their future income.

 

Consumers are also worried about political stability following the Cabinet reshuffle and almost daily student-led protests.

 

More political gatherings are expected after universities open next week, he said.

 

The Consumer Confidence Index was released on the same day that police issued a batch of arrest warrants for protest leaders. Pro-democracy groups have vowed to intensify their political activities in response to what they say is legal suppression of free speech by authorities.

 

Thanawat said newly appointed Finance Minister Predee Daochai and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow are thought to have a strong understanding of the current economic situation. The government may need another stimulus injection of Bt200 billion to Bt300 billion and spend another Bt300 billion to rescue small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with soft loans, he said.

 

Should the economy not continue improving this year, 1-2 million workers may lose their jobs, he warned.

 

The government could boost the jobs situation by allowing private companies to hire workers on an hourly basis, he suggested.

 

A survey showed consumers are expected to spend Bt9.98 billion on Mother’s Day (August 12) – down by 28 per cent on last year’s holiday.

 

“Facing high debt burdens and uncertain futures, more and more consumers are borrowing money from pawn shops, underground lenders and their relatives,” he added.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30392633

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-08-08

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

[BritManToo]

37 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

Consumer confidence rose for a third consecutive month in July,

Sounds like government 'happy' BS to me.

They're unemployed, used all their savings, can't pay their rent or mortgage but are only 'delaying buying new cars'. ...... yeah, sure.

Edited August 8, 2020 by BritManToo

[Isaan sailor]

My banker paid a visit to our house the other day, along with his boss.  They wanted to sell me another whole life policy.  After their presentation (all in Thai, of course), I told them i’d rather look at ways to make money—not spend money.  What about foreclosures, repossessions?  

We haven’t heard back from them...

[Cake Monster]

9 hours ago, rooster59 said:

“Facing high debt burdens and uncertain futures, more and more consumers are borrowing money from pawn shops, underground lenders and their relatives,” he added.

There is the problem.

The Banks are starting to reign in Debts and are asking tighter collateral terms of their Borrowers now.

NPL is going to be a massive problem here in Thailand ( and other Nations ).

Gone are the streams of easy money that so many here have been accustomed too for so many Years.

A stark realisation is coming to the people of Thailand, and its that you cannot spend what you do not have, and that debt has to be repaid, whether to a Bank or a Loan Shark or a Relative

[Leaver]

6 hours ago, Isaan sailor said:

My banker paid a visit to our house the other day, along with his boss.  They wanted to sell me another whole life policy.  After their presentation (all in Thai, of course), I told them i’d rather look at ways to make money—not spend money.  What about foreclosures, repossessions?  

We haven’t heard back from them...

How well does your banker and his boss know your wife?  ????