The Latest Breaking News from Chaichan Chareonsuk

As businesses pin their hopes on a strong recovery in the final month of the year based on lively shopping activity, entertainment events and vibrant tourism, a fresh Omicron outbreak has emerged including a rising death toll, rekindling concerns about the impact on economic sentiment.

Thailand's exports are expected to maintain growth momentum next year, albeit at a slower pace than this year, shored up by strong demand from emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East, speakers at a seminar said on Thursday.

Thai exports are expected to grow by 2-5% next year, easing from an expected 8% increase in 2022, according to a trade group.

Thailand's rice exports could reach 8 million tonnes this year as flooding caused by Typhoon Noru has had little impact and a weak baht has helped overseas sales, the president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association said on Wednesday.

Thailand's exports should grow by 8% this year if China's economy recovers and the shortage of semiconductors eases, according to the Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC).

Thailand's export growth slowed in July, mainly attributed to a decrease in fruit shipments, a semiconductor shortage that affected production in related sectors, and lockdown measures in some major Chinese cities that interrupted production and lengthened delivery times.

The national shippers' group looks set to raise its export growth forecast next month after the country registered a robust export growth of 12.7% in the first half, boosted by rising global food demand, higher prices and the baht's weakness.

The Central Bank of Myanmar's order for companies and individual borrowers to suspend repayment of foreign loans, the latest in a series of steps to shore up the nation's dwindling foreign exchange reserves, is unlikely to have a significant impact on Thai exports, says the Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC).

The drumbeat warning of recession is getting louder and more frequent, based on reports from the US and other major economies.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has warned against further currency depreciation to 37 baht against the US dollar, claiming it would make life more miserable for businesses and households because of higher oil prices.

Thai exporters are advised to shift their focus to regional markets such as Asean, China, the Middle East and India instead of the world market in the second half this year.