BANGKOK, Oct 8 : Thailand's consumer confidence index dropped for the first time in four months in September, hurt by flooding, a slow economic recovery and high living costs, a survey showed on Thursday.
• The consumer confidence index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce fell to 52.1 in September from 53.2 in August, it said.
• Late last month, Bangkok's governor declared the capital a disaster-affected zone after nearly 300 mm (12 inches) of rain swamped the city in just three days, as much as it typically receives in the whole of September.
• Economic damage from the floods is estimated at 22 billion baht to 30 billion baht ($655 million to $893 million), and could remain within that range if conditions start to improve next week, Thanavath Phonvichai, the university's president, told a briefing.
Guess WordCrack the word, one row at a timeBuzzwordCreate words using the given lettersMini SudokuTiny puzzle, mighty brain teaserMini CrosswordSmall grid, big challengeWord SearchSpot as many words as you can Show More Show Less• Global tensions also weighed on confidence in the economy, the university said.
• Sentiment could improve later this year if flood risks ease, oil prices fall, tourism picks up and government stimulus measures gain traction, the university said.
• The economy is expected to grow by 2.2 per cent to 2.5 per cent this year, Thanavath said.
• Southeast Asia's second-largest economy expanded 2.4 per cent last year, lagging peers.
• ($1 = 33.61 baht)