Thailand's economic activity slowed in April on the back of softening domestic spending, a monthly report from the Bank of Thailand showed Friday.
At the same time, exports and export-oriented manufacturing recovered slowly in line with the gradual global economic recovery, the central bank said in the report.
Manufacturing output fell 3.8 percent in April from last year amid raw material shortage and reduction in production levels by firms to lower energy consumption. Automobile production expanded at a slower pace compared to the previous month.
The current account turned to deficit in April. The balance was negative at $3.36 billion compared with forecast for a smaller deficit of $950 million. In March, current account was in a surplus of $1.9 billion.
Thailand's exports rose 3.7 percent year-on-year in April and imports grew 8.5 percent according to central bank data. The trade balance posted a deficit of $1.62 billion.
The private investment index declined 1.1 percent year-on-year due to lower capital spending on machinery and equipment. The private consumption index expanded at a slower pace of 1.7 percent annually, as car purchases slowed.
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