The Finance Ministry has banked on stronger export growth to keep its 2018 economic growth forecast at 4.2%, though analysts reckoned the fall in public investment spending could be worse than the ministry anticipates. Chances of catching up this year will be handicapped by the 3.5% reduction in government investment spending in 2017, which marked a sharp reversal from a 30% jump in 2016. Public projects are facing delays over issues arising from bidding and feasibility studies partly as a result of that caution. Public works contractor Seafco Plc said it aimed for 25% revenue growth this year, betting on higher public investment. "I'm confident that transport investment disbursement will accelerate and exceed the government's target this fiscal year," Mr Arkhom said.

Source: Bangkok Post May 13, 2018 23:48 UTC