Thai industrial sentiment hits 20-month high in February
[BANGKOK] THAI industrial sentiment rose to its highest level in nearly two years in February due to lower interest rates, government stimulus measures and tourism, the Federation of Thai Industries said on Wednesday (Mar 12).
A government credit guarantee measure to support pick-up truck purchases was also positive and would help the auto industry, the group said.
“The credit guarantee should generate at least 100,000 new auto purchases, bringing back production and employment,” said federation chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul.
Thailand’s industrial index rose in February for a second consecutive month, reaching 93.4 from 91.6 in January to post its highest reading since June 2023.
The group was also preparing to meet Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday to discuss ways to approach the policies of US President Donald Trump.
“We are on the radar,” said Kriengkrai, noting Thailand’s US$35.4 billion trade surplus with the US last year was the 11th largest bilateral trade surplus with Washington.
The United States was Thailand’s largest export market in 2024, according to its commerce ministry, accounting for 18.3 per cent of total shipments, or US$54.96 billion. REUTERS
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