Sound prospect foreseen for Thai economy in 2017 amid external risk factors

BANGKOK, December 6 (TNA) - The Thai economy is expected to benefit from positive factors next year, namely expanding mega-investment projects and exports, as well as rising international visitors despite anticipated external risk factors. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Research Director for the International Research and Advisory Service of Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), made the assessment on December 5, saying that the Thai economy should grow by 3.2 per cent year-on-year next year, on top of about 3 per cent year-on-year this year. Kirida pointed out that the Thai economy in 2017 is likely to be cushioned by a high growth rate of about 5 per cent of the entire Southeast Asian economy, as well as the Thai government's expanding mega-infrastructure investment projects, rising international visitors and rebounding Thai exports in line with the recovering world economy. Like other capital markets worldwide, the senior economist cautioned, however, that the Thai stock market could be affected by such risk factors as uncertainties of US policies after the President-elect Donald Trump takes office early next year and impacts from the changing situation in Europe, including Britain's departure from the European Union (EU) or Brexit and consequences of new elections in many countries. (TNA)