BANGKOK, Jan 18 (TNA) – The prolonged drought may
affect Thai economy between 17 to19 billion baht, or around 0.10 – 0.11 per cent
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020, according to an estimate by Kasikorn
Research Center (KResearch).
KResearch said it is still monitoring the drought
crisis, especially this March and April, while the worrisome situation could
last after the end of this summer season.
General economy of the country would then become
worsen, it said.
Drought situation during the first four months this
year which has occurred faster than
previous years has resulted in a drop of water levels stored in dams throughout
the country by 33.1 per cent in almost
every region and showed signs of water crisis, worse than in 2015, KResearch said.
Agricultural products including rice, tapioca and
sugarcane which are key exports of Thailand are not spared from the drought and
their prices may go up in short-term. The income of their growers between this
January to April could fall between 0.5 – 1 per cent, it said.
Besides, the country’s export could decline due to a
lack of production while demand in the world market has also decreased, it
added. (TNA)
