Thailand is generally a good indicator of the world economy, with an especially interesting exposure to China. But when you combine this serious slump in manufacturing activities with the probable slump in tourism, it looks to be a bleak year for the country, economics-wise. Good news (for expats and tourists) may be that the Baht will probably weaken over the next year.

August exports down by 7.40% Published: 29 Sep 2014 at 12.45 | Viewed: 2,797 | Comments: 3Online news: Thai exports shrank 7.40% year-on-year to UScopy8.9 billion in August, the biggest drop in 32 months. Imports...

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One possible negative for tourism is the weakness of the rouble against the dollar, which is presumably feeding through to the baht/rouble rate, due to the economic sanctions on Russia amongst other economic negatives. Given how influential this market has become in recent years any slowdown could have a noticeable effect. I know it's low season but I believe they are very thin on the ground in Pattaya at the moment, whereas they have been becoming all year round tourists in the last couple of years.

It might not help that the General thinks good looking girls in bikinis are inviting potential attackers either.