Jul. 14--Consumer confidence in four Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, rose in the second quarter as consumers worried less about global recession, said Insight Asia Market Research.

In Thailand, the consumer confidence index (CCI) was lowest, at 78 -- less than Singapore (88), Malaysia (94) and Indonesia (97) due to local political instability and the tourism slump.

Thailand's CCI rose only six points while Singapore's gained 26 points, Malaysia's 11 points and Indonesia's 14 points, said Maarten Kallenberg, senior research manager.

"Even though growth is expected to remain negative throughout this year, consumers are more confident that in 2010 growth will be positive," he said.

In addition, state emergency policies have stabilised financial markets and stock indices are recovering.

Confidence returned most rapidly among Singaporean consumers, who felt more relaxed about the effects of the global downturn. Singapore has been more influenced by the world economy than the other three nations.

Thai consumers were the most negative about the current economic climate and spent the least on major household items, said Mr Kallenberg.

"Thais strongly feel that the economy has suffered. Their expectations in the next 12 months will shift from negative to neutral," he said.

The researcher predicted that confidence among Thai consumers will further improve in the second half if local politics are stable. The government should also have more time to prove its efficiency in managing the country and solving economic problems.

On the other hand, Chinese consumers felt little impact from the global downturn. They were very positive about the economic outlook and their current personal financial well-being. They were not reluctant to spend and believe now is a good time to buy major household items.

"Despite the global recession, the Chinese economy remains strong with some growth forecast at 6-7 percent this year and 8 percent in 2010," he said.

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