Thai Industrial index rises for 3rd consecutive month in December

BANGKOK, Jan 20 – Thailand Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) grew for the third consecutive month in December, climbing from 99.7 in November to 109.7, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

FTI vice chairman Suparat Sirisuwanangkura told a news briefing on Thursday that the continual increase in December 2010 was driven by steadily rising demand for products and services during the festive season of Christmas and New Year, higher agricultural commodity prices as well as more stable political situation in the country despite anti-government Red Shirt gatherings in December.

In addition, the exports, particularly those to Asian markets, continued expanding.

Meanwhile, the TISI in the next three months was projected to edge up to 115.5 since entrepreneurs in the industrial sector forecast the total purchase orders, sales as well as entrepreneurs’ operating costs and operating performances to improve.

Mr Suparat said the entrepreneurs, however, remained concerned about impacts of oil price hike, currency value fluctuations, global economy, loan interest rates and political stability at home.

The industrial organisation also asked the government to oversee energy and raw material prices to be at an appropriate level in order to minimise the impact of rising costs of production.

The FTI vice chairman urged the government to encourage and promote small and medium enterprise (SME) investments by offering low interest rate loans, boosting trade and investments with business partners from neighbouring countries and promoting the country’s exports and stabilising the domestic political situation in order to boost confidence of both foreign and local investors. (MCOT online news)