The number of new factories that have registered with the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) has decreased for the past four months due to the ongoing political crisis, according to DIW Director General Nattapon Nattasomboon.

There were 1,260 new factories that opened in the first four months of the year, which is a 9.81 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, and the overall investment in industry is assessed at 92.4 billion baht, which is down 1.38 percent. Investment was highest in the automobiles and auto parts manufacturing sector.

There were 321 new registered factories that opened in April, which is a 13.2 percent drop compared to the same period last year.

Mr. Nattapon added that the decrease in the establishment and expansion of new factories is due to political instability, which has affected investor confidence and has led to a decrease in domestic consumption.

He also expressed concern about the electrical appliance and equipment sector since the availability of goods from China has intensified competition, along with increasing labor and electricity costs.