Thailand’s Consumer Confidence Index increased in September for the fourth consecutive month and peaked for 9 years and 7 months or 115 months, according to a survey by the Commerce Ministry.
Amparwon Pichalai, commercial advisor and acting deputy permanent secretary for commerce, said the survey of 3,167 people nationwide found that last month’s Consumer Confidence Index stood at 45.8, rising from 44.9 in the previous month.
Respondents were asked about their economic situation, income and employment opportunities.
The confidence index for the next three months was at 49.2, Ms Ampawon said.
She pointed out that although the indices were climbing, they remained below 50.
This shows that people still lack confidence in the economic situations due to the cost of living, rising unemployment, delayed tourism recovery, the low prices of farm products, widespread flood damage, and exports negatively affected by the global economic slowdown.
Consumer expectations for income (in the next quarter) peaked in 20 months as its index stood at 53.3.
Above the 50 level, the index reflects that consumers became confident of their future incomes and expected the new government to improve the national economy.
