Thailand witnesses across-the-board improvement

 Despite terrorist warnings, Thailand in the month saw an 8 per cent increase in tourist arrivals in January to 1.95 million compared to the same period last year, against the 2.2 per cent annualised contraction in December when tourist arrivals were 1.78 million.  Tourists were mainly from Asean, China and Russia. Hotels nationwide report the average occupancy rate of 65.1 per cent in the month, from 57 per cent a month before.
 The Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) contracted only 15.2 per cent on year, compared tot he 25.3 per cent contraction in December. Capacity utilisation also went up to 58.5 per cent from 51.9 per cent in December.
 Agricultural production expanded by 0.9 per cent year on year in January, given increasing output of rubber, oil palm, sugar cane and cassava. However, agricultural prices fell by 12 per cent on year, due to a drop in rubber and palm oil prices.
 Private Consumption Index (PCI) edged up 2.6 per cent year on year in January.
 Private Investment Index (PII) also showed an improvement, from 3.9 per cent contraction on year in December to 0.4 per cent contraction in January. The 29.1 per cent surge in commercial car sales, compared to a 46.9 per cent contraction in December, and construction investment for flood-damaged residential and commercial units were cited for the PII’s improvement.
 In the month, Thailand witnessed a net outflow, due mainly to the direct investment of Thai companies overseas.