Business confidence among digital - related enterprises showed no marked improvement in the second quarter , based on a recent Digital Sentiment Index survey , as Thailand grapples with high inflation , international conflicts and uncertain state policies , says the Digital Economy Promotion Agency ( Depa ) . The index was at 46 in the second quarter , compared with 44.8 in the previous quarter. The survey looked at five digital - related industries -- hardware and smart devices , software , digital services , digital content , and telecommunications.
It showed that confidence rose in the areas of operating results , production volume and orders , but dropped in the fields of employment , investment , and costs.
The index is conducted quarterly through a sampling survey of around 500 digital industry enterprises that are registered with Depa . The survey is conducted in line with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society's instructions , in a bid to accelerate the country's digital economy and society based on data and information . Depa president and chief executive Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said Thailand's reopening has reinvigorated the tourism sector , but unclear government policies have made it difficult for those in the digital industry to access state procurement . He said the country is also pressured by external factors , including slow global economic recovery and international conflicts , which have driven up inflation.
Tension between China and Taiwan , which are key production bases for chipsets and electronic parts , has caused supply shortages , affecting growth in every digital sector , " said Mr Nuttapon . All digital - related industries surveyed had an index of less than 50 -- software at 48.6 , digital services at 46.4 , digital content at 45.8 , hardware and smart devices at 44.5 , and telecommunications at 41.3 . Mr Nuttapon said such figures reflect the fact that digital business entrepreneurs still lack confidence and are spending cautiously . " Digital - related entrepreneurs expect the government to come up with measures that could level up consumption and create their investment confidence through financial policies and regulations , " he said . He added that entrepreneurs also need support for new innovation development to level up their competitiveness , and greater access to government procurements.
source : Bangkok Post
September 21, 2022
