Junta spending boosts Thai growth but risks remain

Thailand's economy grew by a more than expected 3.2 percent in the first quarter off the back of strong tourism and public spending, official figures showed Monday, but analysts warned the solid start was still shaky. Once one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant and successful economies, Thailand has struggled with lacklustre growth fuelled by more than a decade of political instability and slowing demand for its exports. Thailand's generals, who seized power in a May 2014 coup, have struggled to fulfil their pledge to kick-start the economy, which is also hampered by high household debt and low consumer spending.