Customs-based exports rose for a fourth straight month in November, up 4.9% from a year earlier, customs department data showed, but were short of expectations.
The reading compared with a forecast for a 6.3% year-on-year increase for November in a Reuters poll, and followed October's 8% year-on-year rise.
Imports jumped 10.1% in November from a year earlier, beating a forecast rise of 3% in the poll, resulting in a trade deficit of $2.4 billion for the month, versus a forecast deficit of $0.55 billion.
Exports, a key driver of Thailand's economy, were helped by higher shipments of oil, rice, computer and computer parts, the department said in a statement. But exports of cars and air conditioners were down on the year, it said.
November exports to the United States and Japan were higher year-on-year while those to China and Europe declined, the department said. The commerce ministry is expected to release and hold a briefing on the customs-based trade data next week.
