BANGKOK, 3rd October 2018 (NNT) – A Bloomberg report has indicated the Thai baht has become the strongest currency among 12 Asian countries and the second strongest among emerging markets behind only Mexico.
Analysts from Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management in Tokyo, Japan, say that the strong baht is the result of concrete recuperation of the Thai economy and inflation rates as targeted. The organization expects the baht to continue to strengthen in the final quarter of this year due to an expected 3.5 billion USD injection of cash from tourism. The Thai stock exchange is forecast to be the Best Performer in Asia this year.
The foreign assessments are consistent with an analysis by Director of the Economic and Business Forecasting Center of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Thanawat Polwichai, who said today that the strong baht is a reflection of Thailand’s solid economic foundation and notable rehabilitation following state investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The large investment and resulting improved investor sentiment have expanded the economy by 4 percent so far.
On why the improving economic situation has not been felt at the grassroots level, Thanawat explained that falling farm goods prices in line with global trends have suppressed the income of over 15 million farmers, keeping them from experiencing the economic boom seen in the export and tourism sectors. The growth of online commerce has also drawn consumers away from traditional stores, affecting the perception of retailers.
President of the Federation of Thai Industries, Suphan Mongkolsuthee reiterated that the strong baht is a positive sign of investment inflows and that differing perceptions are due to the grassroots economy being tied to farm goods. He believes the atmosphere will improve once the general election takes place because they will allow investment to reach the grassroots economy.
National News Bureau Of Thailand | Analysts say strong baht reflection of nation's good economic performance