Economists: Thailand is likely to face economic downturn in coming months

BANGKOK, October 3 (TNA) - Leading economists say Thailand is likely to face an economic downturn over the next six months, with signals for the Thai economic slowdown to be clearly seen over the next couple of months.

Most of the 63 leading economists of 30 established analytical and economic research units across Thailand foresaw at a recent survey, conducted by Bangkok University's Research Centre, that, over the next half year, the Thai economy would encounter such risk factors as a drop in private consumption and investment, as well as a slowdown in exports and tourism-related businesses.

Most of the leading economists agreed that only the government's spending and public investment projects would be on the rise over the next six months.

According to the leading economists, the Thai economy is then likely to be spurred by improved internal factors, including private consumption and investment, as well as the government's increased spending and investment, in the wake of the six-month downturn, although external risk factors related to prospect of Thai exports and tourism are envisaged to prevail.

The leading economists insisted, however, that the Thai economy remains strong currently, prior to the approaching downturn. (TNA)