GDP, inflation both to rise in 2010

Thailand’s gross domestic product this year should grow by 3% to 4%, with the inflation rate likely to rise 4% or 5%, Finance Ministry spokesman Akeniti Nititanprapas said on Monday. Mr Akeniti said the country should see economic growth of up to 4% in 2010 due to higher public spending and better prices for agricultural goods. However, inflation rate would also likely rise, by 4% to 5%, because of the labour shortage, potential high imports and the large inventory of products.