(Bangkok Post photo)Thailand's industrial output unexpectedly dropped in June, after a rise in the previous month, due to lower production of air conditioners and steel, suggesting economic recovery remains fragile. The Industry Ministry said on Monday the manufacturing production index (MPI) in June contracted 0.16% from a year earlier, compared with the median forecast of a 1.2% rise in a Reuters poll. May's index was revised to a 1.64% year-on-year rise from a 1.4% increase. Industrial goods accounted for about 80% of total exports, which rose 11.7% in June from a year earlier, customs data showed. The Bank of Thailand has forecast an economic growth of 3.5% this year, with exports rising 5%.

Source: Bangkok Post July 31, 2017 03:33 UTC