October’s industrial sentiment index rises above 100, 1st time in 42 months

BANGKOK, Nov 24 (TNA) – Thailand’s Industrial Sentiment Index (TISI) rose to 104.3 in October, rising above 100 for the first time in three and a half years, up from 95.9 in September due to the global economic recovery and improvement of industrial sectors across the board, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

FTI chairman Santi Vilassakdanont said the higher index in October resulted from improved orders, sales, and production volume thanks to the recovery of the economies of the country’s trading partners.

Increasing orders ahead of the New Year festivities and positive factors from the real estate, building and automotive sectors have driven the TISI to rise above 100 in October, Mr Santi said.

The industrial association said the TISI index projections for the preceding three months rose to 107.8 in October from 102.9 in September were in line with what entrepreneurs in the industrial sector forecast relating to overall sales, production volume, selling prices and turnover.

The FTI survey found that most entrepreneurs agreed that the government should find more ways to increase domestic raw materials and labour as well as to promote skilled labour.

They also called on the government to solve the continuing political problems and supervise oil prices as well as the baht to help increase the competitive capacity of industrial businesses.

Entrepreneurs also called on the government to continue to implement econo