May 22, 2008
Bangkok - April’s industrial confidence index dropped from 83.2 in March to 78.8 after soaring cost concerns, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The decreasing confidence index was caused by rising cost concerns, especially in the energy sector.
There were ten diesel price hikes in April which totally valued three baht per litre.
However, entrepreneurs are still confident of the outlook of the industrial sector.
Both domestic and foreign entrepreneurs still believe the industrial growth will be promising.
It is expected Thailand will benefit from the government’s economic stimulus measures, consumer’s increasing income, overseas trade partner’s growth and improving subprime crisis.
The government was urged to sustainably solve the energy problem for the industrial sector.
Entrepreneurs said the government should boost the country’s economy through megaprojects, SMEs promotion and political stability.
