BANGKOK, Aug 6 – Concerns on Thailand’s political situation dragged down last month’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) to its lowest in the past seven months to 80.3, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) Economic and Business Forecasting Center.
Centre director Thanawat Polvichai said the CCI dropped in all categories for the fourth consecutive month due to–apart from political concerns–the impact of the global economy on the Thai economy.
Dr Thanawat said the anti-government rally by the People’s Army against the Thaksin Regime at Lumpini Park could affect public spending and tourism. If the demonstration is not violent, it may affect the economy at only 0.1-0.2 per cent, but if it is, it may as much as 0.5 per cent.
The recent oil spill incident in the eastern province of Rayong by PTT Global Chemical (PPTGC), he said, is not so worrisome to consumers and does not affect the tourism sector and seafood consumption. However, the government should have protective measures to prevent any future similar incident.
