Thailand: Manufacturing PMI declines slightly in August
The S&P Global Thailand Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 52.0 in August from 52.8 in July. As a result, the index remained above the 50.0 no-change threshold, but signaled a softer improvement in manufacturing-sector operating conditions compared to the previous month.
The decline was driven by slightly softer increases in new orders, output, and purchasing activity. That said, both demand and activity remained healthy, which translated into a near-record increase in employment.
Cost pressures remained subdued as average input prices declined for the fifth time in six months. Meanwhile, manufacturers increased output prices modestly. Lastly, business sentiment was strongly optimistic, amid expectations of winning new customers and larger orders, marking the second-highest sentiment in 16 months.