FTI: Industries index up in May

The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) for May rose to 108.3 points from 106.6 in April, thanks to the rising prices of agricultural products and growth in election-related business.

Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol (Photo by Kosol Nakachol)

Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol said on Wednesday there were more orders and sales in the previous month while operating costs and operating results also improved.
Mr Payungsak said the supporting factors were rising domestic demand and high agricultural product prices, which boosted consumption and spending.

Exports continued improving while business related to political electioneering, such as printing, enjoyed higher profits, he said.

However, business operators were still concerned aboutrising operating costs because of increases in prices of raw materials, fuel and interest rates, he said.

The FTI chief said the majority of business operators suggested the government strengthen the industrial sector by revising and amending certain rules and regulations, consider the appropriate level of labour costs to help businesses cope with rising operating costs, maintain political stability after the July 3 general election, and oversee the prices of oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The TISI for March stood at 102.3.