Despite projecting an upbeat economic growth outlook next year, Thailand's current account surplus is anticipated to narrow because of risks to the tourism industry and an expected rise in imports, says Standard Chartered Bank Thai. Thailand's tourism industry continues to feel the negative impact from a tourist boat accident in Phuket that killed 47 Chinese tourists in July. "The current account surplus may not be a selling point anymore." Thailand's current account surplus was valued at US$800 million (26.6 billion baht) in August, down from $1.1 billion in July, reported the Bank of Thailand. The current account measures a country's imports and exports of goods and services, earnings from cross-border investments, and transfer payments.

Source: Bangkok Post October 30, 2018 22:30 UTC