BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s consumer spending during the New Year could reach a three-year high of 103 billion baht ($2.97 billion) as the economy continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the commerce university said on Thursday.
That would be a record 20% jump from about 86 billion baht spending during the previous New Year period, Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, told a briefing on a consumer survey.
“It’ll be an active New Year,” he said, adding the economy would return to normal in 2023.
The central bank has forecast Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy would expand 3.2% this year and 3.7% in 2023, driven by increased tourism and private consumption.
A revival of the vital tourism sector has bolstered consumer confidence that reached a 20-month high in November, when industrial sentiment also hit a 41-month high.
($1 = 34.68 baht)
(Reporting by Orathai Sriring and Kitiphong Thaichareon; Editing by Martin Petty)