Thailand keeps 2016 outlook but cuts export forecast

Bangkok

THAILAND'S economy is set to grow 3-4 per cent this year thanks to fiscal spending, although exports will miss expectations as risks to the global economy increase, the state planning agency chief said on Friday.

South-east Asia's second-largest economy has been hit by sluggish exports and domestic demand, adding to the problems the military junta has faced in reviving it since seizing power in May 2014 to end months of political unrest.

The economy this year will be driven by government spending, strong tourism and improved domestic demand, Porametee Vimolsiri, secretary general of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), told Reuters in an interview. "We earlier expected growth of 3-4 per cent this year, which should still …