Asia Economist and CEO, Centennial Asia Advisors

Manu Bhaskaran

Mr. Bhaskaran is a leading Asian economist based in Singapore with more than 30 years of experience in studying economic, political and security issues that shape the business environment in Asia. He co-ordinates the Asian business of Washington DC-based strategic advisory firm, Centennial Group, directing its Asian economic research practice which provides in-depth analysis of macro trends in Asia. He works extensively with investment institutions, government agencies and corporations. Mr. Bhaskaran regularly presents his views on the economic, political and business environment in Asia at business conferences and in-house briefings. He has conducted studies on a wide range of subjects including: consumer finance in Asia; Asian integration; regional and country-specific political and economic outlooks; the Impact of China on Asia; portfolio capital flows in emerging markets, amongst many others. He is as a member of the Regional Advisory Group for Asia and the Pacific of the International Monetary Fund. Mr. Bhaskaran is a regular columnist for The Edge (Singapore) and holds positions in think tanks including being Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS); Vice President of the Economics Society of Singapore, and Council Member of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA). Mr. Bhaskaran serves on the boards of CIMB Investment Bank and Japfa Limited.

Asia Economist and CEO

Thailand: Investment to Lift Cyclical and Potential Growth Rates

Thailand: Another Delay to Planned Elections May Inflame Protests

Thailand: Investment and Politics Hold the Key to 2018

Thailand: The Eastern Economic Corridor Is Shaping up Well as a Potent Engine of Growth

Thailand Research Trip: Gearing up for Next Stage of Growth

Thailand: Steady Recovery Ahead Founded on Three Pillars of Strength

Centennial Asia Advisors

At Centennial Asia Advisors, we tell it like it is. We have no vested interests, no need for a China wall, and no reason to skew our outlook any other way. With over 30 years experience covering Asia’s political economy, you can be sure our conclusions and analyses are based on the unadulterated facts. Through years of fine-tuning our research methodologies, we deliver a quality of macroeconomic analysis few other houses can match.

Centennial Asia Advisors is an independent research and advisory firm that works with governments, multilateral institutions, financial firms and leading MNCs.

Economic Policy and Strategic Advisors

Macroeconomics

<ul><li>Thailand’s GDP soared in 3Q17 and stood at four-year peak, supported by exports and manufacturing. Exports have managed to turn in solid performances despite the rising Baht while consumption levels should rise in tandem with strong tourism growth and the end of the mourning period for the late King. Fiscal spending is also expected to resume.</li><li>Once-lacklustre areas of the economy are also reigniting and broadening out the economic expansion - in particular, private investment has sustained a three-month expansion. Furthermore, structural upgrades to the Thai economy including the developing of the EEC and Bangkok being the hub of the vibrant GMS could provide the springboard for Thailand to a higher phase of economic development.</li><li>Political risk remains the sword of Damocles hanging over the increasingly sanguine outlook should thrice-postponed elections be delayed again.</li></ul>

Thailand’s GDP soared in 3Q17 and stood at four-year peak, supported by exports and manufacturing. Exports have managed to turn in solid performances despite the rising Baht while consumption levels should rise in tandem with strong tourism growth and the end of the mourning period for the late King. Fiscal spending is also expected to resume.Once-lacklustre areas of the economy are also reigniting and broadening out the economic expansion - in particular, private investment has sustained a three-month expansion. Furthermore, structural upgrades to the Thai economy including the developing of the EEC and Bangkok being the hub of the vibrant GMS could provide the springboard for Thailand to a higher phase of economic development.Political risk remains the sword of Damocles hanging over the increasingly sanguine outlook should thrice-postponed elections be delayed again.

Thailand: Restoration of Laggard Growth Engines Boosts Economic Torque