For the quarter, the manufacturing sector expanded by 1.2%, down from a 2.2% gain in the fourth quarter of 2016. He said the NESDB maintained its average economic growth forecast at 3.5% this year, slightly adjusting its range to 3.3-3.8% from 3-4% made on Feb 20. The agency cut its total investment growth projection to 4.4% this year from 5.3% as private investment has yet to improve as expected. "However, the government will focus more on economic and social reforms this year to enhance the country's sustainable economic growth." The agency's new average growth forecast is closer to the Fiscal Policy Office's forecast of 3.6% for this year.

Source: Bangkok Post May 15, 2017 23:48 UTC