"If unresolved, the haze problem will adversely affect circulation in the economic system and alter consumers' spending behaviour," he said. The Bank of Thailand warned Thursday that the toxic haze would have an effect on the country's lucrative tourism industry if prolonged. Tourism income accounts for 20% of GDP and is a major driving force for economic growth amid global economic uncertainty. Foreign visitors surged 7.5% to 38.2 million last year, with tourism income growing 9.7% to 2 trillion baht, said the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The central bank in December slashed the forecast for payment-based 2019 export growth to 3.8% from 4.3% predicted in September.

Source: Bangkok Post February 01, 2019 21:00 UTC