Trend in the future
Siam Commercial Bank forecasts that the Thai economy will expand by 3.0-3.5% in 2015. Domestic demand will rebound a› the government expedites budget disbursement and invest in major infrastructure projects, including mass transit system, railroads and highways. Progress in advancing these long-needed public investments will improve business sentiment and thus lift private investments. Private consumptions is poised to recover steadily as households resume spending on durable goods, especially passenger cars, and as cheaper energy increase consumers’ discretionary income that will likely be spent on other goods and service. The high level of household debt and depressed farm income will, however, continue to weigh on spending among low-income Thais. Export will see a mild expansion of 0ı8% because global demand remains weak, with a lopsided world recovery coming mostly from the Uı3ı, while other major economies struggle to grow.
Two external factors to monitor in 2015 are the expected rise in U.S. interest rates and further monetary easing in deflation- prone Japan and the euro zone. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to begin raising the fed funds rate by the end of 2015 because the American economy and job market appear to be back on track. In Japan and the euro zone, however, low energy prices will drive down inflation expectation and exacerbate deflationary pressures, nudging monetary authorities to continue with expansionary monetary policies, including asset purchase program. The likely divergence in monetary policy across major economies may trigger volatility in capital flows or drag down exports from emerging economies.
Bangkok Bank forecasts that the Thai economy in 2015 is expected to expand by 3-4 percent, mainly driven by the acceleration of government budget disbursements and spending on infrastructure development projects which will also spur private-sector investment. Other positive factors are improving tourism trends and falling retail oil prices; combined, these should support a recovery in domestic demand, along with the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), due for implementation in late 2015, although there are many downside risks ahead. Major risks include the likely increase in the volatility of the Thai baht, as the world’s major central banks have adopted different monetary policies – for example, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of Japan (BOJ) are intensifying their QE policies, leading to the depreciation of the euro and the yen against the US dollar. Meanwhile, the recovery of the global economy will likely face expansion risks for a while due to the uncertain outlook for the European economy, especially given the latest conflict between the EU and the new Greek government regarding economic policy, the unrest in Ukraine, and china’s slowing economic growth. Additionally, while falling world oil prices will benefit domestic consumer and the business sector, they could lessen Thailand’s exports to oil-producing countries. Continuing low agricultural prices in global markets will result in Thai farmers experiencing another year of disappointing incomes. The delays in government spending and ongoing high household debt are downside risk that could hinder the recovery of domestic demand.