Thailand's Largest Direct-Seller Expects Slower Growth.

Byline: Nondhanada Intarakomalyasut

Dec. 12--Amway (Thailand), the country's largest direct-seller, expects a sharp slowdown in sales growth in its operating year to next August, citing the economic downturn worsened by the events of Sept 11.

The local unit of the United States-based company expected a single-digit lift in turnover for the first time, Preecha Prakobkit, the general manager, said yesterday.

"Unlike past years when we always targetted double-digit growth, world uncertainties have made us lower our projection," he said.

"Consumers are still concerned about the overall situation and exporting is not getting any better," said Mr Preecha, noting that even when the recession started in 1997 the company achieved a 15 percent sales increase.

In the past business year, the company met its 10 percent growth target

with total sales of 4.4 billion baht, an achievement based on Amway's growing number of independent operators, now more than 170,000, and 400,000 members.