Businesses say stimulus measures have had a positive impact on the economy during the fourth quarter and the momentum will continue, according to the Federation of Thai Industries.
FTI chairman Chen Namchaisiri said the positive impact was reflected in November's FTI index, which rose for the third straight month.
The index reached 87.6 in November, the highest level in 20 months, on rising confidence in several business sectors.
The improved sentiment is expected to encourage businesses and consumers to spend more in the final quarter and support the economy in general, Mr Chen said. Industrial sectors are gearing up to raise production and meet rising demand.
"But the FTI also expects the government to issue more stimulus packages to stimulate domestic consumption and ultimately help increase production capacity in the industrial sector," he said.
However, the FTI index over the next three months is in danger of seeing a falling trend.
Negative factors that could drag the index down include increases in the minimum wage, interest rates and global oil prices, Mr Chen said.
He said the business community wants the government to continue its plan to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in improving efficiency and use of technology, in keeping with Thailand 4.0.
"Many SMEs still need help from the government because there are small companies that lack financial support to access such high technology," Mr Chen said.
He said SMEs in the production and exporting sectors should be the initial focus of support.
The FTI sees some positive factors lending support to the economy, such as the government's promotion of the Eastern Economic Corridor to attract more investment as well as the Board of Investment's roadshows in several countries.
The government expects Thai GDP to grow by 1.5-2.0% in 2017.