According to government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri on Sunday, Thailand’s Industrial Sentiment Index (TISI) reached its best level in ten years in March thanks to a recovery in domestic demand, output growth, and improved performance, with the exception of production costs.
He added that the index reached its highest position since January 2013 in March, rising to 97.8 points from 94.1 points and 96.8 points in January and February, respectively. He also predicted that the index would cross 100 to 106.3 points in the upcoming three months.
A number of greater than 100 denotes optimism, and a rating of less than 100 denotes pessimism.
According to Anucha, the March index was based on a survey of 1,322 industrial entrepreneurs from 45 different industrial groupings who all agreed that domestic demand has risen due to rising farm sector purchasing power and a rebound in the tourism industry.
However, he said, businesses are concerned about how rising raw material prices, fluctuating energy prices, the rising inflation rate, and currency volatility will affect their ability to produce goods.
Additionally, he noted that there are still a lot of negative factors that might thwart an industrial rebound, such as changes in the world economy and geopolitical tensions.
The spokesman stated that in order to address production cost difficulties, such as high energy prices, and open up new markets for Thai goods, the government is prepared to act on suggestions from the private sector.
