Thai border trade reaches Bt800 bln in first seven months

BANGKOK, Sept 1 (TNA) - Thailand’s border trade value amounted to Bt800 billion in the first seven months of 2018, up 7.14 percent from the same period of last year. Foreign Trade Department director-general Adul Chotnisakorn said Friday trade value with neighboring rose to Bt800.42 billion between January and July this year. Malaysia remains the largest border trade partner with Thailand accounting for over Bt330 billion in that period, he said the a press briefing on Friday. Adul noted several factors hindering border trade growth such as heavy floods and torrential rains in Laos and Myanmar. Despite unfavorable conditions and risks from trade disputes between major economies, fluctuating currency exchanges, the Department remain optimistic of the bright prospect and to achieve the target of 15 percent growth in border trade this year, he said. (TNA)