Briefs

Thailand has entered the top 25 of the AT Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index after a two-year absence. It is ranked 21st.
The index is a forward-looking analysis of how political, economic and regulatory changes will likely affect FDI inflows to countries in the coming years.
“Thailand has been one of the success stories of Southeast Asia. It has moved from a low-income country to an upper-income country in less than a generation, creating an attractive pool of potential consumers with higher disposable incomes. That has been a pull factor for companies looking to enter Thailand,” said Soon Ghee Chua, partner and head for Southeast Asia at AT Kearney, a global management consulting firm.
The results of the index also show that domestic market size, cost of labour, regulatory transparency and lack of corruption are among the top factors that executives look at when making decisions about investing in a country.

SENTIMENT DOWN SLIGHTLY
The Business Sentiment Index last month declined slightly from March and remained below 50, as a result of moderate business activities during the long Songkran Festival holiday, the Bank of Thailand reported yesterday.
Over the next three months, most respondents expect business conditions to improve, mainly on the improved confidence in the manufacturing sector, the central bank reported.

JSCCIB FORECASTS 0-2%
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking forecasts export value to expand by 0-2 per cent on expectation for 3-per-cent growth in gross domestic product this year.
However, concerns remain that the baht’s appreciation could affect exporters’ income, said Chen Namchaisiri, chairman for the Federation of Thai Industries.