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Thailand Business Forecast Q1 2015
While Thailand’s military leaders have taken tentative steps to restore civilian rule, a return to a well-functioning democracy is far from assured.
The political divide will remain unresolved, and the potential for renewed instability will continue to undermine the country’s long-term economic growth potential. Still soft domestic demand and weakness in external performance continue to keep the Thai economy sluggish.
GDP growth forecast to 0.7%, from 1.6%
Consequently, we are downgrading our 2014 real GDP growth forecast to 0.7%, from 1.6% previously. That said, we expect growth to rebound to 4.1% in 2015 on the back of ongoing efforts by the junta to revive the economy amid renewed political stability.We forecast Thailand’s budget deficit to narrow from an estimated 2.6% of GDP in 2014 to 2.0% in 2015, as we expect an economic rebound to shore up fiscal revenue, while the removal of the rice subsidy scheme and the fall in oil prices should keep expenditure in check.
That said, should the junta pursue populist measures, this will pose downside risk to our forecast.An economic recovery and interest rate normalisation in the US that will likely occur in H215 would spur the BoT to raise its benchmark interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 2.25% in 2015.
While a stronger US dollar will weigh on the Thai baht, a likely economic rebound in Thailand in 2015 and continued strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows will provide support for the unit.
On balance, we hold a neutral outlook for the Thai baht, and are forecasting the currency to average THB32.75/USD in 2015 and end 2015 at THB33.00/USD.
Major Forecast Changes
We have downgraded our 2014 growth forecast to 0.7% from 1.6% previously.
We have pared back our expectations for a total of 50 basis points (bps) interest rate hike in 2015 owing to deflationary forces at play, and are now calling for just one 25 bps worth of hike.We forecast the Thai baht to average THB32.75/USD (from THB31.75/USD previously)
The Thailand Business Forecast Report helps businesses with market assessment, strategic planning and decision making to promote growth and profitability in Thailand and is an essential tool for CEOs, Chairmen, Finance Directors/CFOs, Managing Directors, Marketing/Sales Directors with commercial interests in this emerging market.An influential new analysis of Thailand’s economic, political and financial prospects through end-2018, just published by award-winning forecasters, Business Monitor International (BMI).
Key UsesForecast the pace and stability of Thailand’s economic and industry growth through end-2018.Identify and evaluate adverse political and economic trends, to facilitate risk mitigation.Assess the critical shortcomings of the business environment that pose hidden barriers and costs to corporate profitability.
Contextualise Thailand’s country risks against regional peers using BMI’s country comparative Risk Rankings system.Evaluate external threats to doing business in Thailand, including currency volatility, the commodity price boom and protectionist policies.The Thailand Business Forecast Report by Business Monitor International (BMI) includes four major sections:Economic Outlook,Political Outlook,Business EnvironmentandKey Sector Outlook.
via Market Report: Thailand Business Forecast Report Q1 2015.
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