Business sentiment fell to the lowest rate in 19 months in August on consumers' low purchasing power, a lack of financial liquidity and the trade row between the US and China.

Other negative factors weighing on sentiment included the baht's fluctuation and relatively low agricultural prices.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) confidence index, a gauge of nationwide business sentiment, fell for a sixth straight month in August to 46.5 from 46.7 in July, 47.1 in June, 47.4 in May, 47.8 in April, 48.4 in March and 48.5 in February.