The economy could lose as much as 300 billion baht in the first quarter after its largest coronavirus outbreak saw consumer mood sink to a five-month low in December, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
The consumer confidence index dropped for the first time in three months to 50.1 in December, when the new spread was detected, from 52.4 in November, as consumers feared a surge in inflections would hit the economy and jobs, a survey by the university showed on Thursday.
"If the situation does not improve in January, consumer confidence could drop to a record low over the next two months," university president Thanavath Phonvichai told a briefing.
The index hit a record low of 39.2 last April during the peak of the first coronavirus wave.
The impact of the new outbreak is expected at 200 billion to 300 billion baht in the first quarter, Mr Thanavath said.
New virus restrictions, including closures of entertainment venues and schools in Bangkok and other provinces, could hamper the fledgling economic recovery, analysts say.
"It's likely that the economy will contract in the first quarter, by 4% if there is a soft lockdown but by 11.3% if it is a hard lockdown," Mr Thanavath said.
The university now predicts the economy will grow 2.2% this year versus 2.8% earlier, he said, adding the government would need at least 200 billion baht to shore up the economy.
On Thursday, 305 new infections were confirmed, with one new death, bringing its total to 9,636 cases and 67 fatalities since it first found the virus early last year.