ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

Thailand’s economy experienced a slow growth in 2007. Third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.9%, improving from the 4.3% in the second quarter and 4.2% in the first quarter. The full-year GDP growth in 2007 is expected to reach an average of 4.5%, slightly lower than the 5.1% in 2006. The economic outlook for Thailand in 2008 is expected to improve with an average growth rate of 4.5 - 5.0%.


THAILAND-U.S. BILATERAL TRADE RELATIONS

The United States is among one of the largest trading partners of Thailand along with Japan, the EU, and ASEAN. However, the United States is currently Thailand’s largest export market while Thailand is the United States’ 27th largest export destination and 18th largest supplier. Total two-way trade between Thailand and the United States in 2007 was valued at approximately US$ 31.2 billion, increasing by 1.9% over the US$ 30.6 billion in 2006.