BANGKOK, Dec 18 (TNA) — The Thai Industries Sentiment Index rose for the first time in six months in November thanks to accelerated production before New Year holiday, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.
FTI chair Supant Mongkolsuthree said the index based on a survey on 1,205 operators in the country stood at 92.3, up from 91.2 in October. It was the first improvement since June.
Operators sped up their production to compensate for fewer working days in December. Meanwhile, local and foreign orders rose for many product categories including fashion products, foods and health and beauty care products, he said.
TISI for the next three months fell from 102.9 in October to 101.3 in November as operators were concerned about the minimum daily wage rise, drought and strong baht. The confidence might improve if China and the United States seal their trade deal, Mr Supant said.
He also said that recovery was likely next year with automotive, food, furniture, petrochemical, cosmetic, cement, gem and jewelry industries. He saw negative outlook for steel, chemical and leather industries.
Mr Supant also said operators were worried about the delayed process of the 2020 national budget, the global economic slowdown, and the China-US trade war. (TNA)
