Russia's invasion of Ukraine could cost the Thai economy 245 billion baht and hinder economic growth this year, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated.
According to UTCC President Thanavath Phonvichai, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has a direct impact on trade and tourism between Thailand and both countries, while the increase in energy prices will affect the market and the country's inflation rate.
The UTCC believes that the crisis will cost the economy around 244.7 billion baht and slow the country's growth to around 2-3% if the conflict continues throughout the year.
The UTCC president is concerned that Thailand will enter a period of stagnation and inflation due to the conflict and various factors such as the spread of the coronavirus omicron variant.
However, he stated that there are numerous unpredictable variables and that it is too early to draw such a negative conclusion. Therefore, the UTCC will maintain its economic growth prediction from November and will wait some time before issuing a new revision, possibly in April.
The UTCC president said that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the world economy is projected to last 1-3 years and the situation remains difficult to predict.
The prolonged conflict could increase global crude oil prices to US$200-$300 a barrel, which would severely affect every economy in the world.
Citing these possibilities, he stated that the government must select appropriate stimulus measures to prevent the economy from contracting while keeping the foreign exchange rate at 32.5-33 baht a dollar to ensure Thailand's competitiveness in international trade.