BANGKOK, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's industrial confidence declined slightly in October due to reduced exports of durable goods amid weaker external demand and concerns over widespread flooding in the country, data showed on Wednesday.
The Thai industries sentiment index fell to 87.3 last month, down from 87.8 in September, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
The reading was based on a survey of 1,335 entrepreneurs across 47 industry groups under the FTI.
The index forecast for the next three months continued its improvement, climbing to 93.5 in the October survey from 91.8 a month earlier, supported by the government's economic stimulus measures.
However, the ongoing baht currency appreciation poses downside risks to export revenue and could reduce Thailand's competitiveness in the global tourism market, said FTI Chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul.
The group urged the government to expedite budget disbursements to help smaller businesses mitigate liquidity constraints, Kriengkrai told a news conference. ■
