[BANGKOK] Thailand's manufacturing production index (MPI) dropped a less- than-expected 17.66 per cent in June from a year earlier, led by lower production of cars, petroleum and tyres during the coronavirus outbreak, the industry ministry said on Wednesday.

That compares with a forecast contraction of 20.4 per cent in a Reuters poll, and against May's revised decline of 23.8 per cent.

Capacity utilisation in June was 55.21 per cent after May's revised 52.34 per cent.

REUTERS