Salinee Wangtal, director-general at OSMEP, said sales at small and medium-sized enterprises in July increased in all fields, particularly agricultural and consumer product wholesale, traditional retail shops, petrol stations, transport, hotels and restaurants.

The agricultural sector improved as the rainy season and the production season started during the month, while there were long holidays in July, which stimulated tourism and spending, she said.

Below 100, the index reflects less confidence, while above 100 signifies improvement in confidence.

The three-month forward index in July continued to stay above 100, reflecting more confidence of SMEs, although it slid to 101.8 from 106.2 in the previous month because of cautious spending by the public.

The TSSI climbed in the same direction as the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), which rose to 52.4.

Meanwhile, Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI), inched down to 84.7 on concerns over higher costs of production, particularly raw materials, price competition and lack of liquidity, especially in SMEs.

The Business Sentiment Index edged down to 98.8, as business operators worried about Thailand’s export slowdown.