Thai consumer confidence falls for first time since May

[BANGKOK] Consumer confidence in Thailand dropped in September for the first time since May's military coup, a university survey showed, adding to evidence that the authorities have not yet been able to get an economic recovery on track.

The consumer confidence index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce declined to 79.2 in September from the August reading of 80.1, its highest in 13 months.

Consumption is a pivotal engine of growth in Thailand, so getting Thais to spend more is crucial for reaching the growth forecasts of the government and central bank.