Protests sweeping across Thailand threaten to snuff out chances of a consumption-led recovery from the nation’s worst-ever economic slump.
Nattananporn Hamali, a 29-year-old saleswoman at a car showroom in Bangkok, is already feeling the pinch from consumers’ thrifty behaviour. With the bulk of her earnings coming from sales commission, she’s struggling to pay her mortgage and utility bills.
“I have some customers who pledge to buy and then delay their decision, waiting to see the impact of protests on their jobs and the economy,” said Ms Nattananporn, who’s on her third job since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bank of Thailand’s Governor Sethaput…