"The Thai economy in the 4 th quarter of 2018 continually expanded. Even though, the economy in December 2018 showed slightly negative sign from the contraction of export values reflected from the uncertainly of global Economy. Meanwhile, the domestic demand in the 4 th quarter of 2018 continually expanded from the increase of real farm income and number of foreign tourists. Furthermore, Internal and external economic stability remained favorable which was able to withstand global economic instability."
Mr. Lavaron Sangsnit, Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office as Spokesperson of the Ministry of Finance and Mr. Pisit Puapan, Executive Director of Macroeconomic Policy Bureau as Deputy Spokesperson of the Fiscal Policy Office revealed the economic report in December and the 4th quarter of 2018 that "The Thai economy in the 4 th quarter of 2018 continually expanded. Even though, the economy in December 2018 showed slightly negative sign from the contraction of export values reflected from the uncertainly of global Economy. Meanwhile, the domestic demand in the 4 th quarter of 2018 continually expanded from the increase of real farm income and number of foreign tourists. Furthermore, Internal and external economic stability remained favorable which was able to withstand global economic instability."
Economic indicators on private consumption expenditures in December and the 4th quarter of 2018 continually improved as shown by registration of new motorcycles and real VAT collection.
Economic indicators on private investment in December 2018 showed expanding sign in both investment in equipment and machinery sector and construction sector as reflected by commercial car sales which expanded for 18 th consecutive month and real estate tax collection. Therefore, economic indicators on private investment in the 4th quarter of 2018 in overall continually expanded.
For the fiscal sector, total government expenditure in December 2018 was amounted at 269.2 billion baht and annual budgetary expenditure was disbursed at 245.5 billion baht as a result of current expenditure which was disbursed at 214.0 billion baht, capital expenditure which was disbursed at 31.5 billion baht, and carry-over budget which was disbursed at 23.7 billion baht
External demand as reflected by export values in December 2018 was 19.4 billion USD decreased by -1.72 percent per year. Meanwhile, import values were 18.3 billion USD. As a result, trade balance in December 2018 showed a surplus of 1,065 million USD. Furthermore, export values in the 4th quarter of 2018 was 62.4 billion USD increased by 2.0 percent per year.
Supply-side indicators were supported by Agricultural Product Index (API) and number of foreign tourists.
Internal economic stability remained favourable and external economic stability remained robust.
Number 4 /2019
28 January 2019
Source: Fiscal Policy Office / www.fpo.go.th