Strong Consumer Confidence Shows Rebounding Thai Economy

BANGKOK, April 19 (TNA) - Thailand's Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) in March 2012 exceeded 100 for the second consecutive month, demonstrating the rebounding national economy. Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Payungsak Chartsutipol said on Thursday that Thailand's CCI rose to 102.1 last month, from 100.9 a month earlier, driven by rising domestic demand, supply and business profits. The FTI chair attributed the rebounding Thai economy to a turnaround of local food, beverage, sugar and automobile parts businesses, cautioning that there, however, remain risk factors against the expanding Thai economy, including unstable world energy prices and economic conditions, as well as exchange and interest rates and even domestic politics. Meanwhile, the FTI chief suggested that, in order to further boost international investors’ confidence in the Thai economy, the government should assist local business operators affected by official daily minimum wage hikes, keep the Thai baht stable, be well-prepared for natural disasters and carefully consider any adjustment of oil prices on the domestic market. (TNA)