Thailand's export growth projected at 5-9% in 2013

BANGKOK, November 29 (TNA) - Experts and senior officials have now projected that Thailand's export growth should stand at 4-5 per cent this year and at 5-9 per cent next year; while the Thai economy should expand by 5.5 per cent in 2012 and at 5.2 per cent in 2013. Thai commercial counsellors overseas, including some 40 honourary commercial counselors, as well as other relevant experts and authorities gathered in Bangkok on Thursday to discuss economic issues. Chaired by Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, they agreed that Thai exports should grow by 4-5 per cent in 2012, far lower than the earlier forecast 15 per cent, due to domestic and global negative factors, and by 5-9 per cent in 2013, not by a two-digit as earlier targeted, as the risk factors would likely persist. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance's Fiscal Policy Office (FPC), made an updated assessment that the Thai economy should grow by 5.5 per cent this year and by 5.2 per cent next year. (TNA)