Thailand's future BCI on the rise

BANGKOK, September 4 (TNA) - The business confidence index (BCI) in Thailand over the next three months has continued to increase, showing the confidence in the national economy in the coming months among business operators. The Bank of Thailand (BOT) reported on the update on September 3, saying its latest survey found that the BCI over the next three months stood at the 55.4 level, its increase for the second consecutive month. Based on the BOT report, the surveyed business operators particularly expressed their confidence in their purchase orders, production prospect and fruitful performances over the next three months, especially those in the manufacturing of electronic and electrical goods and appliances. Besides, business operators running hotels and restaurants expressed their optimism that they would welcome a good number of international visitors who would spend more during the upcoming high travel season late this year. According to the BOT report, Thailand's BCI last month alone slightly declined to the 51.4 level, from the 52.0 level a month earlier, caused by a drop in the surveyed business operators' sentiment and demand for more employment and investment, especially those in the manufacturing of steel and garment and textile, as well as those in the construction and property sectors due partly to a slowdown in their businesses during the ongoing rainy season. However, the BOT report stated that its latest survey showed all elements in the BCI in August 2018 remained above the 50 level-benchmark. (TNA)