BANGKOK, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's consumer confidence weakened further in April as elevated global energy prices amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East raised concerns about the impact on the domestic economy and living costs, a survey showed on Tuesday.
According to a survey of 2,241 respondents conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the consumer confidence index sank to 50.6 last month from 51.8 in March, hitting the lowest reading in eight months.
Consumers are expected to remain cautious in their spending through the first half of 2026, pending clarity on regional geopolitical tensions and the implementation of government measures designed to cushion economic impact, the university said in a statement.
Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the university, said economic uncertainty has triggered a noticeable slowdown in consumer spending, which is negatively affecting major purchases such as vehicles and real estate, as well as the vital tourism sector.
However, the Thai central bank's decision to keep its policy rate unchanged, aiming to manage inflation without increasing the financial burden on businesses, helped support the sentiment, Thanavath told a news conference.
He noted that the government's relief campaign for vulnerable sectors, including transport, fisheries, and agriculture, aimed at preventing excessive consumer price hikes, is expected to boost consumer and business confidence as early as May. ■