webfact Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 Thai economy to see 4% growth this year, says World Bank, but warns of downside risks By The Nation Thailand’s economy has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and is estimated to have shrunk by 6.5 per cent in 2020, with growth projected to expand by 4.0 per cent in 2021, according to the latest World Bank Thailand Economic Monitor report “Restoring Incomes, Recovering Jobs” released on Wednesday. The report stresses that sustained employment recovery will be essential to helping the country bounce back in 2021 and 2022. In 2020, weak global demand, a sharp decline in international tourist arrivals and domestic mobility restrictions depressed goods and services exports and private consumption, it said. Exports and private investment are estimated to have declined by 18.5 per cent and 4.4 per cent, respectively, while household consumption declined by 1.3 per cent. The resulting declines in income have created economic hardship for many, though the government has made good progress in implementing a substantial package of measures to support households and firms, the report continued. Nevertheless, projections indicate that an additional 1.5 million people may have entered poverty in 2020 due to the economic impact from Covid-19, based on a poverty line of US$5.50 (2011 PPP) per day. This year, the economy is expected to recover gradually, despite the second Covid-19 wave, and growth is forecast to pick up to 4.7 per cent in 2022. However, recovery remains vulnerable to downside risks, including from an extended resurgence of the pandemic resulting in a prolonged stagnation in tourism and domestic activity, a weaker-than-expected global recovery that could lead to continuing trade and supply chain disruptions, and high household debt levels, the report warned. The pandemic has had a significant impact on Thailand’s labour market, with unemployment increasing especially among young people. The number of hours worked fell, as did monthly incomes. And while the decrease in the number of hours worked have not been restored to normal levels, employment in several sectors including manufacturing remains smaller than a year ago. This means the labour market is in a vulnerable position to confront any future shocks, including a resurgence of Covid-19, it said. “The Covid-19 crisis and its economic impact have highlighted a key vulnerability for Thailand: the declining number of working-age people, which compounds the challenge of recovering the economic losses of last year,” said World Bank country manager for Thailand Birgit Hansl. “Improvements in employment, productivity and labour incomes, especially among the poor, will be necessary for a sustainable recovery,” Hansl added. The report recommends that in the short term the government put in place training programmes to improve workers’ skills and provide financial support while they get back to work. Ongoing efforts are required to ensure that education and training matches the needs of employers. In the longer term, the government can increase employment in the care sector, make childcare more accessible and decrease its cost to help increase female labour force employment. The report also recommends increasing the retirement age and putting in place performance-based compensation schemes and flexible working arrangements to extend the working lives of older people. “The decline in the working age population will reduce labour supply and economic output over the coming decades,” World Bank senior economist for Thailand Kiatipong Ariyapruchya said. “Good jobs will need to be created in high-productivity sectors associated with Thailand’s emerging knowledge economy. Policies to boost labour productivity and labour market participation of older people and women can help promote a sustainable recovery from Covid-19 while addressing challenges associated with an aging population,” Kiatipong added. Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30401516 -- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2021-01-20 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ThailandRyan Posted January 20, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted January 20, 2021 3 minutes ago, webfact said: The resulting declines in income have created economic hardship for many, though the government has made good progress in implementing a substantial package of measures to support households and firms, the report continued. Which was booked in 10 minutes this morning and many left on the outside looking in as they have in the past as well. If they do not have a bank account, access to a computer or a smart phone, then they are just SOoL. 5 minutes ago, webfact said: The report recommends that in the short term the government put in place training programmes to improve workers’ skills and provide financial support while they get back to work. In what fields?, and with what money? Thailand is very strict on who gets what in terms of financial assistance and then of course it is less money for the Upper echelons pockets. Time to use some of the US currency they have in reserves, but I am sure they will not. 7 minutes ago, webfact said: The report also recommends increasing the retirement age and putting in place performance-based compensation schemes and flexible working arrangements to extend the working lives of older people. Sorry, not going to happen. They tried once already to ensure they had enough teachers, and were going to hire back retiree's to assist with Government jobs. Not sure how that has worked out so far. Good luck on getting to an increase of 4% which will still be a -2.5% on what 2020 lost. Still in the Red, but hey the economy is not in a deflationary period yet. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isaan sailor Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 Highly unlikely, World Bank. The Thai Baht has powered upwards to a 7-year high on the USD. And the Euro down as well. Where do they come up with these numbers? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotchilli Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 13 hours ago, Isaan sailor said: Highly unlikely, World Bank. The Thai Baht has powered upwards to a 7-year high on the USD. And the Euro down as well. Where do they come up with these numbers? 4ft from the brain 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkk6060 Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 It is way negative too much closed for good I do not see how they can get any positive growth this year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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