Industrial Sentiment Index in March drops to lowest level in five months

BANGKOK, April 21 (TNA) – The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) in March fell to 101.6, the lowest level in past five months since October
2009, said Santi Vilassakdanont, advisory chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

It dropped for the second consecutive month from 114.5 in February, resulting from decreasing number of orders, sales volumes, production
volumes, and operating turnover.

Concerns over political situation, which may turn to violent, caused consumers to slow down their spending, said Mr Santi.

In addition, ongoing drought in many provinces caused low agricultural produce and raw material for manufacturing in the industrial sector.

Regarding the current political uncertainty, the FTI advisory chairman said that most entrepreneurs wanted the government to solve the political turmoil and asked every group to be united for the benefit of the nation.

He also called for the government to tackle a problem about shortage of craftsmen and to set up a policy to produce skilled labourers.

The government should oversee currency exchange to ensure stability and stimulate economic growth as well as approve budgets under Thai Khemkaeng (Strong Thailand) economic stimulus scheme, aiming at continual economic recovery.

Mr Santi also urged officials concerned to help farmers affected by drought in several provinces. (TNA)