October 29, 2008
by Bupha Ravirot

Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) survey of Hongkong said India, Thailand and Malaysia as the highest political and social risk among Asia-Pacific countries in 2009.

Ranking by PERC on October 28 , India get highest political and social risk score of 6.87 on a scale of 10, the main problem was the uncertainty over the outcome of general elections next year, rising communal violence and increased militant attacks.  (Score of zero represents the best socio-political situation and 10 the highest risk)

While Thailand ranked the 2nd riskiest with a score of 6.28 which PERC said current political turmoil threatens to drag into 2009 and is eroding the country's key institutions.

The assessments were made using multiple criteria such as uncertainty over the outcome of general elections next year, rising communal violence and increased militant attacks of each country of Asia Pacific (overall 16 countries  were assessed).

Closely followed by Malaysia, which is ranked 3rd riskiest caused mainly by struggle for political power was aggravating racial and religious tensions.

Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia were ranked most stable and low in political risk for 2009 even though their economies are likely to be hurt by the global financial crisis.

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