BANGKOK (XINHUA) – Thailand’s consumer confidence rose for a second straight month in November, thanks to the government’s stimulus measures and improved tourism in flood-hit areas, a survey showed yesterday.
According to the survey of 2,242 respondents conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the consumer confidence index inched up to 56.9 last month from 56 in October as all components of the index increased, marking the highest reading in four months.
Consumer confidence is expected to continue its upward trend following signs of economic recovery in the final quarter of the year, supported by improved foreign tourist arrivals and exports, along with accelerated government spending, said the university’s president Thanavath Phonvichai.
The second phase of the government’s cash handout programme, which is set to be implemented by January, coupled with debt relief measures to aid struggling small businesses and retail borrowers, would also help shore up the economy going forward, Thanavath told a news conference.
