Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed confidence in the existing public health measures to cope with the spread of the new Omicron Covid variant, with extreme measures yet to be required. He highlighted economic improvements from the relaxation of measures, as reflected in the improved Industries Sentiment Index in November.
Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Gen Prayut is content with the overall economic development in Thailand, following the country’s reopening.
The improved economic activities are reflected in the increasing Industries Sentiment Index (ISI) released by the Federation of Thai Industries. The indices improved from 82.1 points in October to 85.4 points in November.
The government says the improved ISI was due to the relaxation of restrictive measures, by allowing businesses and activities to reopen in phases, along with the reopening of selected tourism areas. These activities have pushed for the restart of Thailand’s economy, with increasing domestic consumption, along with a better performing export sector from the recovery of trade partners.
Meanwhile, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which represents the private sector, now anticipates that Thailand’s economy next year will grow between the margin of 3 and 4.5%, despite the Omicron threats. The optimism is also shared by the Thai National Shippers’ Council who is expecting a 5-8% export growth next year.
Mr. Thanakorn said the Prime Minister has pledged to speed up short-term economic campaigns to help save more fragile businesses and promote employment, in order to increase the purchasing power within households.
He said the government will continue to introduce more relaxed financial measures in the short-term, while the medium and long-term economic plans will call for investment promotion in modern industries, and to attract high-skilled people from overseas. (NNT)
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