BANGKOK, Dec 29 (Reuters) – Thailand’s manufacturing production index (MPI) unexpectedly increased 0.35% in November from a year earlier, its first annual rise in 19 months, boosted by higher production of cars, petroleum and electronics, the industry ministry said.
The figure released on Tuesday compares with a forecast for a decline of 0.55% in a Reuters poll, and against October’s revised fall of 0.42%.
Capacity utilisation in November was 64.8% after October’s revised 63.5%. Industrial goods make up about 80% of total exports, a key driver of Thai growth. (Reporting by Kitiphong Thaichareon; Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
