BANGKOK, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's business sentiment fell in October in both the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors as costs remained high due to the prolonged Middle East conflict and the temporary impact of flooding, data from the central bank showed on Monday.
According to the Bank of Thailand, the Southeast Asian country's business sentiment index (BSI) declined to 45.2 last month from 48.1 in September, as all of its components fell, led by declines in cost, production and performance.
The manufacturing index weakened across nearly all industries to 46.1, staying below the 50-point threshold for the second consecutive month, the central bank said in a statement.
Food and beverage manufacturers recorded the sharpest decline, while flood damage added to concerns about an expected drop in farm output caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon.
The non-manufacturing index dropped to 44.4, as persistently high costs weakened business sentiment in the transportation, trade and warehousing sectors.
Wholesale trade sentiment fell for several product categories, including chemicals, furniture and construction materials. Hotel sentiment also weakened as some tourists postponed their trips. ■