Thai economy to grow about 3% y/y in Q1: planning agency

[BANGKOK] Thailand's economy is expected to expand around 3.0 per cent in January-March from a year earlier, helped by lower energy prices and strong tourism, a government official said on Thursday.

Exports should grow 3.5 per cent this year, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, secretary-general of the national planning agency and deputy transport minister told reporters.

The agency, known as the National Economic and Social Development Board, will report first-quarter growth on May 18.

The planning agency maintained its full-year GDP growth forecast of 3.5-4.5 per cent, Arkhom said.

He also said economic ministers have asked the Bank of Thailand to monitor the baht to ensure that it is not too strong.

REUTERS