BANGKOK, Oct 19 (TNA) — The resumption of business and activities after lockdowns to control the coronavirus improved industrial sentiment for the fifth consecutive month in September but the sentiment for the next three months declined on concerns about the possible second wave of COVID-19, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.
FTI chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree said the Thailand Industrial Sentiment Index (TISI) rose to 85.2 in September from 84.0 in August because the government eased business lockdowns and introduced economic stimulus measures and assistance for small and medium enterprises.
The actions by the government increased the purchasing power of buyers of durable and non-durable goods and international cargo transport showed positive signs as many countries were relaxing COVID-19 control and trading partners were importing more Thai products, he said.
TISI for the next three months dropped from 94.5 as anticipated in August to 93.3 on the concern that the country could suffer the second wave of COVID-19.
Repeated business lockdowns in many countries would suppress Thai exports and the end of debt moratoriums this month might affect the liquidity of businesses and local purchasing power, Mr Supant said.
He urged the government to quickly disburse budgets, speed up investment projects nationwide and instruct governmental organizations to order locally made products. (TNA)
