DPM:Thai economy remains strong

BANGKOK, August 24 (TNA) - Thailand’s economy remains strong and should enjoy sustainable growth in the third quarter this year, as the government is determined to invest in massive infrastructure development projects. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong gave the comments on Saturday morning during the weekly TV and radio programme of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Kittirat acknowledged that major factors have supported the Thai economy to keep growing, except exports which have been affected by the strong Thai baht earlier, but the Thai currency is now weakening, which is favorable to the country’s exports. Kittirat maintained that the Thai economy in the third quarter should keep expanding year-on-year, boosted mainly by the government-sponsored investment in mega-infrastructure projects, along with growing exports and tourism. Arkom Termpitayapaisit, Secretary-General of National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), reported during the same programme that the government's spending during the first and second quarters of this year grew satisfactorily, while Thai exports were affected by world economic problems and the strong Thai baht, but Thai exports during the first half of 2013 were considered successful. (TNA)