Thai exports seen up over 15 percent this year

BANGKOK: Thai exports could grow more than 15 percent this year and another 15 percent next year, despite problems in the United States and Europe, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittirat Na Ranong said on Wednesday.

Although the euro zone economy has slowed for two years, Thai shipments remain in demand, Kittirat said.

"The US government is trying to stimulate the economy and... any stimulus will also benefit other contries," he said. "When US consumers have more money, they should import more and that will benefit export countries including Thailand."

The value of Thai exports -- equivalent to more than 60 percent of GDP each year -- grew to 25.7 percent in the first seven months of 2011 from a year earlier, Commerce Ministry data show.

The central bank has forecast export growth of 22.4 percent for 2011 and 10.4 percent for 2012, but it will review those forecasts next month.

Copyright Reuters, 2011