Bank of Thailand : Inflation report January 2004.

(From Thai Press Reports)

Section: Economy - Mr. Bandid Nijathaworn, Deputy Governor, Monetary Stability, Bank of Thailand (BOT), announced that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released the January 2004 issue of the Inflation Report on 29 January 2004. The Report was issued to enhance public understanding of the BOT's policy stance, with the key details summarized as follows.

1. Recent developments in inflation and economic conditions: The Thai economy expanded 6.5 per cent in 2003 Q3, accelerating from 5.8 per cent in the second quarter, with private consumption being the main driving force while public spending also accelerated. With regard to 2003 Q4, preliminary data indicated that the economic activity would continue to expand, supported by both private and public spending. Production in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors continued to expand.

Overall economic stability remained …