BANGKOK, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's consumer confidence declined further in May, driven by mounting concerns over the Middle East conflict, elevated fuel prices, and their potential impact on domestic economic growth and the cost of living, a survey showed on Thursday.
According to a survey of 2,245 respondents conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the consumer confidence index slipped to 49.5 last month from 50.6 in April, hitting the lowest level in 42 months.
Consumers are expected to remain cautious about spending in the first half of 2026 as they await clarity on regional tensions, government mitigation efforts, and the effectiveness of economic stimulus measures in restoring confidence, the university said in a statement.
Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the university, noted that June's data will be an important indicator of recovery, especially given the launch of the government's co-payment program this month.
Meanwhile, the tourism industry, a vital engine of the Southeast Asian country's economy, continues to face a protracted recovery as softening global demand and surging energy prices drive up travel expenses, Thanavath told a news conference.
