Thailand

Thailand's economy, which was showing signs of returning to good health after contracting last year amidst the global financial crisis, could be facing something of a relapse as a result of heightened political tensions at home and a poorer international outlook.

Thailand's retail sector, which has been a leading force in the country's recovery from recession over the past two quarters, faces the risk of going off the boil if political unrest continues, with the threat of escalating antigovernment protests and rising tension undermining consumer confidence and whittling away at recent gains.

With demand for electricity forecast to increase by 7% annually over the next 20 years and fuel consumption also expected to rise sharply, Thailand is trying to diversify its energy mix, with renewables seen as a viable alternative.

Thailand’s pharmaceuticals sector is set to post strong growth in the coming years, with growth in local demand supported by increases in disposable incomes. The industry and the government, however, still have some outstanding issues to resolve at home and abroad.

The education system in Dubai, as well as the rest of the UAE, is about to undergo a massive overhaul, with a series of reforms to be implemented at all levels.

With Thailand's economy emerging from recession, having posted positive results in the last quarter of 2009, and buoyed by the government's economic stimulus package, analysts are tipping solid growth for the construction sector this year.