Industrial confidence index up for the second running month



BANGKOK: -- Industrial confidence index has increased for the second consecutive month with the index for June rising to 88.4 from May’s 85.1, said Mr Suphan Mongkolsuthee, president of Federation of Thai Industries on Wednesday.

Mr Suphan said increased confidence index stemmed from the optimism of business operators who felt that the political situation began to normalize with the lifting of curfew which has returned business operations to normal.

He noted that the monthlong World Cup soccer tournament in Brazil had boosted sale of sport wears such as sporting shoes and garments, food and electrical appliances such as television sets.

Nevertheless, he said that business operators were still concerned about the prospect that Thai exports to the US market might be affected by the face that Thailand was downgraded to Tier-3 level for its poor track record on human trafficking problem.

Mr Suphan anticipated that the industrial confidence index for the next three months would go up to 101.3 points.

Business operators have recommended that the government quickly addresses the human trafficking problem so that Thailand will be spared possible trade sanctions from the US.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/industrial-confidence-index-second-running-month/


-- Thai PBS 2014-07-24

"Nevertheless, he said that business operators were still concerned about the prospect that Thai exports to the US market might be affected by the face that Thailand was downgraded to Tier-3 level for its poor track record on human trafficking problem."

I mentioned the possibility of sanctions only last week, and was rebuffed. Thailand does care about exports to the West, and is most likely already suffering (and noticing it) from sanctions set by the EU. As for getting into bed with China, who cares? It's clear Thailand wants Western relations and exports, despite the West "not being my uncle". What would Thailand do without 'Benz' ?? .... Isuzu 12ltr?

Has this spokesman been taking lessons from TAT ?

He bases confidence on the removal of the curfew which is maybe fair enough up to a point but claiming sales over the World Cup is a quite a stretch as it only happens for one month every four years. Any port in a storm I suppose.

Does he know about the revision downwards of vehicle production, as mentioned in another thread, due to a drop in sales for the first half of the year ?

Maybe when the tourists come flocking back they will buy new vehicles as a vacation souvenir.

He's grasping for straws as to why confidence is up, if it's really up.