Since Thailand's economy was devastated by the Asian Financial Crisis, it has bounced back strongly, in line with regional trends. The country’s weak political outlook remains Thailand’s Achilles heel, given the entrenched political divide between the rural and middle and upper income class. While Thailand's economy will continue to be undermined by political volatility, it will not be completely hindered by it, and will continue to see growth in the manufacturing and tourism sectors over the coming years.