Thailand's economy improved in October, with exports rising 14.2% and a trade surplus of $1.4 billion. Private consumption and tourism also contributed to growth, though challenges remain for some sectors, according to the Bank of Thailand.
Thailand’s economy showed signs of improvement in October, driven by tourism, exports, and private consumption, which were bolstered by the government's economic stimulus measures, according to the Bank of Thailand on Friday.
Exports, a key economic driver, rose by 14.2% in October compared to the previous year, while imports increased by 17.1%, resulting in a trade surplus of $1.4 billion, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) reported.
Industrial production grew in line with both domestic demand and exports, excluding automobiles, the BOT stated. The current account surplus stood at $0.7 billion in October, slightly higher than the $0.6 billion surplus in September.
Private consumption saw a 0.8% increase in October from the previous month, while private investment rose by 4.5%, according to the central bank. Government spending also surged.
Tourism, another major contributor to the economy, supported the service sectors, though structural challenges continued to affect business and household income for certain groups, the BOT said. In a surprise move at its October 16 review, the BOT cut its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%. It also raised its 2024 GDP growth forecast to 2.7% from 2.6%, but reduced its 2025 growth forecast to 2.9% from 3.0%.
The economy grew by 3% in the July-September quarter, marking the fastest pace in two years, but officials and analysts highlighted increasing challenges to sustaining this momentum into the next year.
Two separate attacks in Thailand's Narathiwat province over the weekend left at least 16 people injured. A motorcycle bomb targeted police housing, while gunmen attacked Thai Buddhists at dinner. Security has been tightened as investigations continue.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
A strong earthquake that recently hit Thailand is expected to have only a temporary effect on the country’s economy, with the government maintaining its growth forecast of 3% for the year, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Tuesday.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra remains in power after defeating a no-confidence vote in parliament, despite opposition claims of nepotism and mismanagement. She denied accusations of securing preferential treatment for her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
At least five people were killed and 27 injured when a concrete beam from an under-construction expressway bridge collapsed on Rama 2 Road in Thailand. Authorities are searching for missing individuals as investigations into the cause continue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
The IMF has lowered global and U.S. economic growth forecasts, citing Trump-era tariffs and rising uncertainty. Global growth is expected at 2.8% this year, while U.S. growth may slow to 1.8%, with heightened recession and inflation risks.
The 18th meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation between Iran and Russia is scheduled to take place in Moscow from April 23 to 25. The event aims to strengthen bilateral collaboration across a wide range of sectors.
The Russian rouble surged past 81 to the U.S. dollar on Thursday, marking a 40% increase since the beginning of 2025.
In response to President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs, a number of global companies are eyeing expansion into the United States to minimize the economic fallout from the trade measures.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
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