The Thai economy has moved ahead strongly in recent months, enjoying growth of 6.6% in the April-June 2000 quarter. During the first half of the year gross domestic product increased by 5.9% over its level in January-June 1999.
Exports have been a key factor in this improvement, having registered an increase of 15% in the second quarter and allowed manufacturing output to rise by 9%. Export growth has been fueled particularly by demand for consumer electrical goods, IT equipment and cars. At the same time, the second quarter saw consumer spending rise by 4.8% in response to lower interest rates.
