FTI chairman Chen Namchaisiri said the FTI index fell to 84.7 in June, down further from 85.5 in May and 86.4 in April. He said major negative factors that weighed on the index included concerns over the new Royal Decree on Recruitment of Foreigners. Mr Chen said Thai investors, particularly in labour intensive and production sectors, should adjust by switching reliance to automated systems to help reduce risks from labour shortages in the long term. Another negative factor is the strengthening of the Thai baht, which will hurt Thai exports and eventually cut investor confidence. The baht has risen more than 6% so far this year, and is currently the strongest currency in the region.

Source: Bangkok Post July 19, 2017 23:37 UTC