The FPO estimated an economic contraction of 3.5% in the third quarter this year, due to the resurgence of infections. It projected economic expansion of 3% in the fourth quarter this year after the country's reopening. The FPO predicted the expansion of private consumption at 0.8% this year and the growth of private investment at 4%. Next year, the government will disburse the remaining loan of 350 billion baht out of the total loan of 500 billion baht under the second emergency loan decree. Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) on Wednesday said it had upgraded its 2021 economic growth projection for Thailand to an expansion of 0.2% from the previously forecast 0.5% contraction, and with the projection of next year's growth at 3.7%.
