Economy on track in Feb: BOT
The economy continued to grow last month despite the political turmoil, the Bank of Thailand said yesterday.
Governor MR Pridiyathorn Devakula said exports expanded by 23 per cent in February while imports rose by 15 per cent over those for February last year, showing that the economy is still growing "quite well". While Pridiyathorn said tourist numbers for February showed an increase over the corresponding month in 2005, Somchai said he was concerned because the number of visitors this month showed a decline. In January, the number of tourists increased by 33.9 per cent over the corresponding period last year, mainly due to last year's low base. January 2005 was the month after the tsunami disaster. "The increase in exports and imports makes us feel comfortable, but we still have to wait and see further figures," Pridiyathorn said. Figures for private consumption and investment in February have not yet been formally revealed. However, the central bank chief claims funds are still flowing into the country, including foreign direct investment. In January, the private consumption index rose just 0.7 per cent, compared with 2.2-per-cent growth in December. In the same month, the private investment index grew by 4.7 per cent, lower than the 5-per-cent rise in December. Anoma Srisukkasem The Nation
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