Thailand Country Risk:
The Thai military's extended stay in power until at least 2017 following the rejection of the draft constitution will allow for an acceleration of its efforts to remove former premier Thaksin Shinawatra (2001-2006) and his allies from domestic politics, risking a further deepening of the political divide in the country and a rapid regression towards Myanmar-style authoritarianism.
Government efforts to shore up the Thai economy and weak crude oil prices should help to support the ongoing economic recovery. That said, export headwinds will act as a drag. As such, we forecast Thailand's real GDP growth to come in at 3.3% in 2016, marking only a marginal increase from a forecasted 3.2% in 2015.
While the Thai government will increase spending in 2016 to accelerate the ongoing economic recovery, gradually improving...
Thailand Crime and Securities:
BMI View: Thailand is a relatively safe location for businesses and workers. Although the separatist insurgency in the south and the regular public demonstrations may hamper business activities, there is no security risk significant enough to consistently disrupt operations. However, there are some significant crime risks in the country, particularly stemming from financial, cyber and organised crime. Cyberattacks are one of the most pertinent concerns for businesses, and will require significant expenditure to mitigate. Simultaneously, Thailand's large organised crime network undercuts legitimate enterprises and colludes with authorities to hinder competition. The Royal Thai Police are notoriously corrupt and incompetent, meaning that crimes directed at foreigners and...
Thailand Labor Market:
Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Thailand's labour market competitiveness is slipping. Due to a shortage of technical skills and unskilled labour, combined with rising labour costs, the country's is losing appeal as a manufacturing destination. Meanwhile, weakness in the education sector is preventing evolution of a knowledge-based economy, and poor foreign language skills prevent investment in international services.
Rising labour costs are the greatest element of labour market risk in the Thai economy, while a shortage of skills in key areas is another area of concern commonly cited by investors. This results from misalignment between industry and the education system, although education policy has improved significantly in the last decade. These elements combine to give Thailand a Labour Market risk score of 55.9 out of 100, ranking 54 th out of...
Political Risks:
BMI View: Political risks will remain a hindrance to construction activity in Thailand over the long term following the military government's rejection of the draft constitution, which underscores the country's uncertain political outlook. With the junta expected to remain in power until 2017, large-scale public transport infrastructure projects are expected to benefit, driving construction activity over the near term.
Thailand Retails:
BMI View: Thailand's economy is on the road to recovery despite 2014's military coup and a slowdown in the China. Growth in income levels have successfully boosted household spending during 2015 and increasing numbers of Thais are reaching middle income status. As a result, we expect more purchases of non-essential goods, as well as a growing familiarity and preference for international brands. Tourism will continue to play a vital role in not only the retail sector but also in the country's economy as a whole.
The Thai economy is on the road to recovery after a turbulent year characterised by the military coup and China's slowdown. As South East Asia's second largest economy, we retain a positive outlook for the economy during our forecast period, with real GDP growth forecast at 4.0% in both 2016 and 2017. We expect this level of growth to not only...
Forecast and Latest Updates
We forecast Thailand's construction register real growth of 14.8% and 4.3% in 2015 and 2016 respectively. The expected growth surge in 2015 is largely owing to low base effects from 2014.
Long-term political risk will weigh on private construction activity,...
Credit Sources: BMI research
Retail in Thailand Trend: Update May 2015
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Overall retailing industry maintains moderate value growth in 2014
The retailing industry in Thailand recorded moderate positive growth in 2014 despite the presence of considerable political uncertainty. Store-based retailing gained the largest value sales whereas non-store retailing enjoyed higher value growth. Mixed retailers and modern grocery retailers recorded the strongest growth thanks to the intensive continued expansion of key players. Traditional retailing remained fragmented and maintained a stable performance while direct selling dominated non-store retailing thanks to the success of international brands.
Eight months of political turbulence during 2013/2014 suspends spending
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