The index below 100 indicates that consumers still be careful about their spending despite the rise in confidence in the Thai economy. The survey is usually done in the last week of the month. Consumers hope that the government will focus on investment and stimulate the economy in the last quarter of the year, the UTCC said. Thanavath Phonvichai, the university's vice-president for research, said consumer consumption was likely to increase in the fourth quarter as negative factors impacting the economy had subsided. The Bank of Thailand last month marginally raised its 2016 growth forecast to 3.2% from 3.1%, but kept its 2017 projection at 3.2%, citing domestic and external risks.

Source: Bangkok Post October 06, 2016 06:45 UTC