Thailand to revise economic forecast in January after latest outbreak

BANGKOK (The Nation/ANN): The Finance Ministry will revise its economic forecast for this year and next year in January, according to the Fiscal Policy Office on Monday (Dec 28).

Whether that revision is up or down will depend on the impact of the fresh Covid-19 outbreak in Thailand, it added.

However, the office said it believes the impact will be lower than the previous phase of contagion, since all parties are well-prepared to deal with the fallout.

Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow last week maintained his forecast of growth above 4 per cent for Thailand’s economy next year, citing the availability of Covid-19 vaccines.

He also maintained his forecast of 6 per cent contraction for the Thai economy this year, in line with the National Economic and Social Development Council’s projection.

There were 144 new Covid-19 infections, including 115 cases of domestic transmission, confirmed over a 24-hour period on Monday, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said. - The Nation/Asia News Network