GSB reveals grassroots economy sentiment index

BANGKOK, 18 May 2016 (NNT) – The Government Savings Bank’s (GSB) Grassroots Economy Research Center has found most grassroots citizens still view the country’s economic recovery as slight.

GSB Director Chartchai Payuhanawichai has disclosed the Grassroots Economic Sentiment Index (GSI) was most recently found to be 44.9, under the 50 point mark that indicates optimism. He explained the figure shows that most grassroots citizens still see only slight recovery in the nation’s economy.

Survey respondents noted the drought situation, sparse rains and low crop yields as factors impacting their confidence. They said however, that if the drought ends, consumption should pick up in the second quarter of the year.

On grassroots citizens views of government policies, most lauded its 5 million baht per sub-district program and its natural disaster assistance between 2012-2014 as well as its support of SMEs. They said its rubber price assistance and production cost reduction efforts however, were not effective.

-- NNT 2016-05-18

GSB creates a new kind of index - the GSI - that doesn't add any more information to what is currently known about the Thai economy.

Citizens still view the country’s economic recovery as slight....now who would have guessed that?