Aerial view of petroleum oil refinery in industrial estate at twilight. (File photo)

Thailand's ​industrial sentiment index ​dropped ‌for a third straight month in May due to the impact ​of ⁠the war in the Middle ‌East, slowing production and a shortage of labour, the ⁠Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported on Wednesday.The FTI said its industrial ​sentiment index fell to 84.7 in ​May ‌from 85.3 in the previous month.

A ⁠leading business group last ⁠week raised its 2026 economic growth forecast to 1.6%-2.0%, ⁠citing support ​from government stimulus measures. Last year's growth was 2.4%.

In April, Thailand's Manufacturing Production Index (MPI) fell to 92.76 points, down 0.36% year-on-year.

Several key sectors dragged down the MPI, with general machinery down 12.9% year-on-year as overseas orders of air conditioners slowed.