Firms losing faith amid virus, hazeA woman wears a safety mask as she walks at Don Mueang airport. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)Business confidence fell for the 11th straight month in January, with the latest deadly virus outbreak adding to the business sector’s concerns. On Thursday, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) reported business confidence plunged to 45.4 from 45.7 in December and 45.9 in November. Mr Thanavath said the university forecasts economic growth of only 0.5-0.8% in the first quarter of this year as the virus outbreak, widespread drought and the haze are together estimated to cost the country more than 100 billion baht in revenue lost. “Combined with a raft of the government’s economic stimulus measures, we are still maintaining our economic growth forecast at 2.8% this year.”

Source: Bangkok Post February 13, 2020 10:52 UTC