Exports and tourism main drivers

Exports and record-high tourist arrivals spurred the economy in December, while domestic demand moderated due to base effects, says the Bank of Thailand.Exports amounted to US$17.2 billion, 19% year-on-year growth, driven mainly by a rise in the prices of cassava and rubber.

Meanwhile exports of electronics components slowed from 2009 because of inventory stockpiles, which resulted in a high base.Tourist arrivals hit 1.8 million, mostly from China, South Asia and Russia. Hotel occupancy rose to 58% from 55% on Nov 10, the central bank said.

Mathee Supapongse, senior director for the Domestic Economy Department, said decelerating orders for key electronics goods like hard disk drives resulted from decreased demand from China to serve consumers in the US.But he said domestic demand was thrusting automobile manufacturing forward due to the popularity of eco-cars.

Capital use in the industrial sector recorded a small increase from November to 64.4%. Strong consumer confidence and held-up lending growth could point to expanding private investment in the near future.The manufacturing sector had steady expansion last year, despite political unrest, flooding and baht appreciation, he said.

Private consumption in December was stable from the previous month and bolstered by farm income. Passenger car sales reached a record high of 41,430 with the Motor Expo recording 33,000 orders, leading to expectations of strong sales over the next few months.

"Domestic demand is expected to hold up in the future, although growth may slow from last year. Domestic will contribute more toward growth this year, as exports wobble in line with world demand," Mr Mathee said.Imports totalled US$16 billion, a 10% year-on-year contraction, because of the high base last year due to oil imports.

Source = bangkokpost