Thai economy back on track with 2.2% growth in Q1 as exports surge

Weak baht boosts trade, but higher inflation sapping purchasing power

Thailand's exports, which expanded 19.5% in March alone, drove economic growth in the first quarter of 2022. © Reuters

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

May 17, 2022 10:45 JST

Updated on May 17, 2022 11:59 JST

BANGKOK -- Thailand's economy expanded 2.2% in the first quarter from a year earlier, its National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) said on Tuesday, as robust exports and the easing of COVID restrictions helped to boost business activities and revive tourism.