BANGKOK, 16 February 2012 – The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has announced that the industrial confidence index in January is at its highest in five months, after the flood crisis is over.
FTI Chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol said the industrial sentiment in January has improved to 99.6 from 93.7 in December. He explains that the index has risen for two consecutive months, as several flood-affected industries have resumed their operations.
Regionally, he said the central region has the lowest industrial confidence, given it has been hit hardest by the flood, while the confidence figures in the Northeast ranked highest because many crops including para rubber have been in high demand since the crisis is over.
According to him, factors influencing the entrepreneurs’ confidence are oil prices and domestic political situation, while their worries over the global economic uncertainties have tapered off.
Mr. Payungsak added that most entrepreneurs wanted the government to delay the 300-baht minimum wage increase, solve labor shortage in some industries, and come up with a clear water management plan.
