Business
Thailand’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rises for 2nd consecutive month
Thailand’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) in January rose for the second consecutive month after the situation returned to normal following the flood crisis last year, said Yanyong Puangrach, Permanent Secretary for Commerce.Today he announced the results of the CCI survey for January, conducted among 3,024 people from all walks of life.The survey found that all indices, including consumer confidence indices on the current and future situation as well as index on future income, rose for the second consecutive month in January, Mr Yanyong said.The increasing indices were attributed to the rise in start-up salaries for civil servants, the government’s rehabilitation measures for flood victims and consumer spending during the Chinese New Year.The Consumer Confidence Index in January stood at 24.2, higher than the 21.2 listed in the previous month. However, as the index is still lower than 50, it indicates that the public are still concerned over the local economy–in particular the cost of living, oil prices and the volatile global economy.Meanwhile, those surveyed urged the government to control prices of consumer goods and the cost of living to ensure that they are in line with current income. They also wanted the government to speed up tackling rising energy prices, unemployment problem and minimum wages. Respondents also urged the government to build confidence among investors, lay out systematic water management plans to prevent possible massive flood this year and speed up the country’s post-flood rehabilitation.

Thailand’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) in January rose for the second consecutive month after the situation returned to normal following the flood crisis last year, said Yanyong Puangrach, Permanent Secretary for Commerce.Today he announced the results of the CCI survey for January, conducted among 3,024 people from all walks of life.
The survey found that all indices, including consumer confidence indices on the current and future situation as well as index on future income, rose for the second consecutive month in January, Mr Yanyong said.The increasing indices were attributed to the rise in start-up salaries for civil servants, the government’s rehabilitation measures for flood victims and consumer spending during the Chinese New Year.
The Consumer Confidence Index in January stood at 24.2, higher than the 21.2 listed in the previous month. However, as the index is still lower than 50, it indicates that the public are still concerned over the local economy–in particular the cost of living, oil prices and the volatile global economy.Meanwhile, those surveyed urged the government to control prices of consumer goods and the cost of living to ensure that they are in line with current income.
They also wanted the government to speed up tackling rising energy prices, unemployment problem and minimum wages. Respondents also urged the government to build confidence among investors, lay out systematic water management plans to prevent possible massive flood this year and speed up the country’s post-flood rehabilitation.
Infrastructure services, if quickly improved, could promote a better investment climate in Thailand
Economists and analysts forecast gloomier times, predicting Thailand’s GDP to contract by 0-3 percent while the country descends into a deflationary spiral. Moody’s Economy.com says Thailand could be the Asian economy that suffers the most from the global financial crisis. Plus the spectre of further political unrest remains on the horizon. However, there are some signs that Thailand can ride out the economic firestorm. Government debt-to-GDP remains below average regionally speaking, the financial sector learnt from the 1997 meltdown and remains relatively well capitalised and liquid, and Board of Investment privileges are some of the best in Southeast Asia.
Read more:
Consumer Confidence Index rises in January for 2nd consecutive month
Business
THAI airways to sell training center building to raise more funding
THAI airways has been hit hard by limited travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which comes as they were entered bankruptcy protection and sit on the verge of liquidation.

THAI airways is selling its Laksi training center building, in the Bangkhen district of Bangkok, its Nok-Air shares, its Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services (BAFS) shares and Boeing 737- 400 engines, after the bankruptcy court gave the go-ahead to do so.
(more…)Banking
Can the Subscription Economy Save Financial Services?
Going back to the pre-Covid “normal” is not an option for financial services. Fortunately, the rise of the subscription economy points towards frontiers of untapped growth for the sector.

As the world waits for mass vaccination to revive economic activity, general malaise has overtaken the financial services industry (FSI). And things will probably worsen before they get better: US banks are expected to suffer US$318 billion in net loan losses by the end of 2022, according to Deloitte.
(more…)Business
How Thailand could Use satellite tech to help farmers in crisis
Without effective global warming policies, the 3.5 million rice farming households in Thailand are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis

Ask any Thai rice farmer to describe government assistance when they are hit with natural disasters. Their answers will most likely be the same: Too little, too late.
(more…)-
Asean4 days ago
India, ASEAN Agree to Review FTA Scope, Address Uneven Market Access
-
Economics6 days ago
Thailand-China sign deal promoting Thai fruit export
-
Health2 days ago
200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine Distributed to 13 Thai provinces
-
Tourism5 days ago
Adjustments in Thailand’s tourism industry