Thai industrial sector confidence in April lowest in five months

19 Sept 23:32 Key points summarised by AI

Thai industrial sector confidence plummeted to a five-month low in April (86.2), primarily driven by surging production costs for raw materials, energy, and transport.
The sector grapples with economic headwinds including rising inflation, high household debt, and cautious consumer spending, further compounded by global supply chain disruptions and the Ukraine war's impact on commodity prices.
While a weakening baht offers a boost to export competitiveness, it simultaneously escalates import costs, particularly for oil, thereby intensifying domestic inflationary pressures.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) urges the government to extend diesel price caps and implement additional economic stimulus measures to support businesses and spur domestic consumption and tourism.
National economic growth projections for 2022 have been revised downwards due to global uncertainties, despite a modest recovery observed in the first quarter from eased lockdown measures.

New home loan scheme aims to boost property sector with Bt125 billion

Yesterday 11:38 Key points summarised by AI

The Cabinet approved a new Bt50-billion 'A House for Each PLUS' home loan scheme from the Government Housing Bank, offering up to Bt3 million with 40-year repayment terms for low- and middle-income earners.
This initiative aims to significantly boost the property sector and national economy, projecting to generate Bt125 billion in economic activity and create jobs.