Thailand economy stagnates in Q3

BANGKOK, Nov 20 (AFP): Thailand's economy grew less than expected in the third quarter owing to still-weak exports, officials said Monday, as the government pushes a stimulus programme that includes cash handouts worth about $14 billion.

The kingdom has endured a period of sluggish growth, with investor confidence knocked despite a new government taking office and ending months of political uncertainty.

The National Economic and Social Development Council said gross domestic product grew 1.5 per cent on-year in July-September, well off the 2.2 per cent tipped by the NESDC and slower than the previous three months.

"The increase is lower due to the decline of exports, and the export figure has been lower in three consecutive quarters this year," NESDC secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan said.

The council said it now expected the economy to grow at the low end of a forecast 2.5-3.0 per cent this year. It expanded 1.9 per cent in the first nine months.

However local consumption and investment were on a better footing, Danucha said.