Thailand exports rose in March: Deputy PM

[BANGKOK] Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Somkid Jatusripitak, said on Thursday the country's exports rose in March from a year earlier and that the economy is gradually recovering.

Preliminary data showed exports in March "improved and were positive," he told reporters but gave no specific figure.

The statement contrasts with a Reuters poll of economists that showed exports were expected to have contracted 4.6 per cent in March from a year earlier. Trade data is due on Monday.

In February, exports rose 10.27 per cent, ending a 13 month-streak of declines, but the increase stemmed from two unusual items - military helicopters and a surge in gold shipments.

REUTERS