(Adds details, Q1 output)
BANGKOK, April 28 (Reuters) - Thailand's manufacturing
production index (MPI) in March contracted 4.56% from a year
earlier, as a global economic slowdown hurt exports, the
industry ministry said on Friday.
The figure compared with a forecast in a Reuters poll for a
fall of 3.65%, and came after February's revised 2.38%
year-on-year decline.
Output in the first quarter dropped 3.94% from a year
earlier, the ministry said in a statement.
While exports are weak, a pickup in domestic demand on the
back of a rebound in tourism and increased investment is
supporting related manufacturing production, the ministry said.
Spending ahead of a May 14 election will also help the
manufacturing sector, it said.
Industrial goods account for about 80% of total
customs-based exports, which declined by a less than expected
4.2% in March from a year earlier.
(Reporting by Orathai Sriring and Satawasin Staporncharnchai;
Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.