BANGKOK, Feb 5 — Thailand's Consumer Confidence Index declined in January as people doubted economic recovery and were concerned about the low prices of agricultural products.
Dr Thanavath Phonvichai, director of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said the Consumer Confidence Index fell from 81.1 in December to 80.4 in January and all indices in subsectors of the latest consumer confidence survey dropped.
Although oil prices declined, consumers still worried about the uncertain economic recovery, the low prices of farm products including rice and natural rubber, and weak exports and tourism. Consumers also questioned why goods prices were not lower despite declining oil prices, Dr Thanavath said.
Political stability began being challenged again and dry weather worsened, he said.
The government should invest in job creation to enable people to earn incomes, Dr Thanavath said. The government must work hard on this matter, he said.
Surveyed consumers thought this week's bombing at Bangkok's Siam Paragon shopping center would have only a temporary and slight impacts on their spending decisions but should not affect the national economy. (MCOT online news)
