The Thai Industrial Sentiment Index (TISI) slipped for its fourth consecutive month to 92.9 in April, according to the chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Payungsak Chatsuthipol said the TISI, which declined from 93.5 in March, was below 100 for the tenth month due to the private sector’s concern on the surging baht which directly affected exports.
The TISI among exporters dropped from 89.9 to 85.7, marking their even lower confidence in the economic landscape.
He said exporters have been uneasy with the volatile global economic situation which has negatively impacted overseas purchase orders.
Manufacturers have resorted to import raw materials from abroad, which will eventually negatively affect the internal supply chain, but there was no tangible assistance from the government, he said.
The TISI in the next three months will remain below 100 as manufacturers are worried about the country’s fragile political situation, he added.
He called on the government to maintain the stability of the Thai currency and find measures to help small and medium enterprises.
