Mixed feelings on recovery outlook

Protesters hold a sign saying ‘Prices of Goods Go Up, Wages Down’ as they demand a hike in the daily minimum wage for workers outside Government House on July 18, 2022. One is seen holding a bowl of instant noodles, which has come to symbolise economic hardship in the country. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

Bustling commuters, traffic gridlocks and crowded shopping malls have become more common in the third quarter following the country's reopening in June, fuelling hopes that Thailand is now getting back on its feet.

But concerns have been raised about various pressing problems that could potentially undermine the country's path towards recovery, including rising inflation rates, surging Omicron cases caused by BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants, the prospect of an interest rate hike and declining purchasing power.