BANGKOK, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's consumer confidence continued to improve in February, bolstered by anticipation of stimulus measures and increased political stability following the general election, a survey showed on Friday.
According to a survey of 2,242 respondents conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the consumer confidence index climbed to 53.7 last month from 52.8 in January, reaching the highest reading in nine months.
The upturn was also attributed to the central bank's decision to cut its policy rate to 1 percent to support the economic recovery, along with the country's stronger-than-expected gross domestic product growth of 2.4 percent in 2025, the university said in a statement.
However, the strength of the baht currency, which reduces Thai product competitiveness in the global market, as well as rising geopolitical tensions and energy costs, were negative factors affecting consumer sentiment, the university noted.
It added that the February survey was conducted before the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East and did not reflect its impact. ■
