Thai Industries Sentiment Index dropped to 88.5

BANGKOK, Feb 23 (TNA) -- Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) dropped to 88.5, falling for the first time in five months due to concerns over uncertainty stemming from US President Donald Trump administration’s policies. Federation of Thai Industries’ (FTI) vice president Supharat Sirisuwanangkoon said the latest survey showed the sentiment fell from 88.5 in December in which respondents perceived volatility in global economy. The sentiment also reflected concerns over fluctuating currency exchange rates, the rising oil prices and high burdens from wage raises, he said. The index increased from 84.8 points in September to 86.5 last month, largely due to higher orders to serve festive-season demand in both the overseas and domestic markets during the year-end period. The future index for the next three months slightly improved, from 100.00 points in September to 100.4 last month. The FTI attributed the rise to the government’s large projects, higher prices of farm products and growing consumer’s spending. FTI members urged the government to expediting disbursements of large projects, upgrade the country’s infrastructure and promote deregulations for better access to funding among businesses, he added. (TNA)