The industry confidence index continued to drop for two consecutive months to 101.6 in March form 114.5 in a previous month, dragged by continuing political standoff between the red-shirted demonstrators and soldiers deployed to trim down the mob expansion, according to data released by the Federal of Thai Industries (FTI).

Santi Vilassakdanont, honorary president, and adviser to the FTI, said Wednesday that the index on purchase orders, sales, productions, and performances have been decreased for two consecutive months on the concern over violence that could be triggered off in a current political standoff situation.

He said the sentiment had cut down people moods on spending.

For the next three months, Mr. Santi said the index will continue to decrease in line with the political conflict, which is not seen to end anytime soon.