Industrial confidence up again in August

A Federation of Thai Industries' survey showed that industrial confidence largely improved from 76.9 points in July, due mainly to the six measures introduced in July and August to ease living costs. Over the next three months, the manufacturers are positive the domestic market would expand at a higher rate than overseas markets.

According to the survey, most manufacturers would like the government to draw up a national plan for alternative fuel as well as improve the efficiency of logistics systems. In addition, they suggested the central bank not lift interest rates as they would suffer from a lack of financial liquidity.

"However, the improving confidence will last only a short while as the country's prolonged political tension may reduce domestic consumption again, plus the global economy is likely to fall in the coming year," said FTI vice chairman Adisak Rohitasune.

FTI chairman Santi Vilassakdanont voiced concerns over the impact of the Lehman Brothers' collapse on exports next year.