Industrial index down in May

BANGKOK, 17 June 2010 (NNT) – The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) has dropped to 94.7 in May from 99.3 in the previous month, according to Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Payungsak Chartsuthipol.

Mr Payungsak revealed today that the decrease in the industrial sentiment index in May resulted from the political violence and the government’s announcement of the one-week public holiday. The production outputs consequently declined as business operators had to shorten their working hours or entirely close their offices during the turmoil.

The FTI Chairman elaborated that the small-sized industrial sector had been severely affected by the political unrest. Its confidence index went down to 81.6 in May from 94.0 in April. However, a surge was seen in the index of large-sized industries, which rely on foreign markets, reflecting firm confidence in the export sector.

In addition, the May future sentiment index for the next 3 months stood at 105.0, lowering from 107.4 in April, due to expected declines in purchasing orders, production outputs and sale volumes.