BANGKOK (Dec 29): Thailand's manufacturing production index unexpectedly dropped 4.24% in November from a year earlier due to lower petroleum output, the strong baht and a border conflict with Cambodia, the industry ministry said on Monday. The November figure compared with a year-on-year rise of 0.8% forecast in a Reuters poll, and followed a revised increase of 0.04% in October. The index dropped 1.09% compared to a year earlier in the first 11 months of 2025. The strong baht pushed up export prices and eroded Thailand's competitiveness, the ministry said in a statement. The currency has gained about 10% against the dollar so far this year, making it Asia's second-best performing currency.

Source: The Edge Markets December 29, 2025 06:55 UTC