Thai exports record high

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BANGKOK, Mar 19 (AFP): Thailand's exports in February hit a record monthly high at a value of $18.86 billion, government figures showed Friday, although the crisis in Japan was expected to hit short-term trade. Thai shipments jumped 31 per cent from a year earlier -- boosted especially by demand for agricultural and industrial products -- marking the fastest-paced rise in eight months, the data showed. It was the 16th consecutive monthly rise and the sharpest increase since a leap of 46.3 per cent in June 2010 -- the biggest on record. Commerce minister Porntiva Nakasai said the value of February's exports was the highest monthly figure ever. "The unrest in the Middle East will not affect Thai exports, but the earthquake and tsunami in Japan may cause a short-term stumble," she said.