Thai economy expands 1.3 percent in Q3

The Thai government says the country's economy has grown for a second straight quarter. Government stimulus spending and an improvement in manufacturing propelled recovery from recession.

According to the National Economic and Social Development Board, Thai economy expanded 1.3 percent in the third quarter from the previous quarter. Thai economy emerged from recession in the second quarter, when the economy expanded 2.2 percent following a year of contraction. The government has rolled out an economic stimulus plan including cash handouts to low income workers while the gradual recovery in global demand for exports has helped manufacturers.

However, the economy remained smaller than a year earlier in the third quarter with gross domestic product down 2.8 percent. The government expects Thailand's GDP to shrink about 3 percent this year compared with 2008.

The Thai government says the country's economy has grown for a  second straight quarter. Government stimulus spending and an  improvement in manufacturing propelled recovery from recession.