Thailand's Industrial Index Recovers In Nov; Operators Concerned Over Oil Prices

Industrial index recovers in November but operators concerned over oil prices

BANGKOK, Dec 17 – Several positive factors helped improve Thailand’s industrial confidence index in November but entrepreneurs are still concerned about oil prices and currency exchange rates, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

FTI Chaiman Payungsak Chartsutipol said the industrial confidence index survey in November at 99.7 rose slightly from 98.7 in October owing to steady economic growth.

Production for domestic sales grew steadily while the flood situation in the past few months in several parts of the country returned to normal and political tensions have eased.

The Industrial Confidence Index for the last three months stayed at 113.6, rising from 110.1 in October because operators forecast increasing orders, sales volume, production quantity and operational performance.

Meanwhile, operators are most concerned over oil prices, followed by the currency exchange rates, the global economy, and the political situation.

They suggested the government sector help support investment of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and continue to issue new economic stimulus policies.

They also urged the government to resolve the problem of labour shortage and to support workers’ skill development and income tax reduction. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-12-17