-- Thailand's economy in the first quarter expanded from the previous quarter, supported by exports, manufacturing and domestic demand, the central bank said Thursday.
Private consumption slipped 0.8%, while private investment dropped 3.5%, reflecting softer domestic momentum. Government spending, however, rose 4.8%, helping cushion overall growth.
Trade activity remained active, with exports increasing 3.3%, though imports surged 11.5% as firms accelerated sourcing of inputs and energy-related goods, Bank of Thailand said.
On prices, headline inflation eased to 0.08%, while core inflation rose 0.57% from a year earlier. The current account remained in surplus at about $600 million, the central bank said.