The Thai economy grew 3.5 per cent the fourth quarter of 2009, narrowing the economic contraction for the year to 2.8 per cent, dpa quoted the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) as reporting Thursday. Many expected the gross domestic product (GDP) would shrink more than 3 per cent in 2009, the office said. Exports grew 11.9 per cent the fourth quarter against a contraction of 17.7 per cent the previous quarter, FPO spokesman Ekniti Nitithanprapas said in a statement. The GDP is expected to grow 3.5 to 4 per cent in 2010, but there are several issues that could dampen the economy and mean smaller growth, FPO Director-General Satit Rungkasiri said. The political situation remains unstable and that could have some impact, he said. Also, the continued delay in solving a dispute at Map Ta Phut, a key industrial estate south-east of Bangkok, could also slow the economy, Satit added.
