During a luncheon with Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras, director-general Atchaka Sibunruang Brimble said that although exports had increased, domestic consumption had declined considerably.

The office predicts the MPI will fall next quarter because it is low season for many industries, particularly automobiles and construction.

However, it believes most industries will speed up their production in the fourth quarter and maintain industrial growth at 5 per cent this year.

Atchaka reported that MPI for the first five months grew 5.06 per cent, compared to 7.86 per cent in the same period last year.

She said MPI declined because some industries focusing on domestic demand, such as cement, textiles, ceramics and audio-visual, had been affected by a fall in consumer confidence.

Industries that mainly rely on exports still showed dramatic growth: hard-disk drives and electronic parts, for example.

Atchaka said the textile industry's growth in the first five months was only 2 per cent, which was much lower than other main industries such as auto parts, plastics, electronics and electrical appliances.

Meanwhile, Kosit said his ministry would accelerate the restructuring of industries that could not adjust their production and compete with other countries.

Today industrial operators will meet Kosit at Government House to present their development projects. They will represent industries such as construction, textiles, drugs, furniture and home appliances.

"We accept we cannot do all their projects on our terms, but we will try to help them as much as possible," Kosit said.

Chalida  Ekvitthayavechnukul

The Nation