The economy grew more than analysts projected in the third quarter as government stimulus spending and a rise in tourist arrivals offset weak local demand and exports.
Gross domestic product gained 2.9% in the three months through September from a year earlier, compared to 2.8% in the previous quarter, the National Economic and Social Development Board said in Bangkok on Monday.
That compares with the median estimate of 2.5% in a Bloomberg survey of 26 analysts.
"This was primarily because manufacturing production gradually resumed. In the meantime, service-related sectors still continuously boosted up; predominantly hotels and restaurants, transportation and telecommunication as well as wholesale-retail trade.
"Nevertheless, agricultural sector continued to decline owning to a reduction in crop cultivation," the economic think tank wrote in a statement released on Monday.
GDP grew 1% over the previous quarter, up on the predicted 0.6% gain.
The projection for 2015 GDP growth is now 2.9%, compared to the range of 2.7-3.2% previously predicted in August.
The NESDB now expects exports to shrink 5.0% this year, rather than fall 3.5%.
For 2016, the agency predicts economic growth of 3.0-4.0%, with exports rising 3.0%.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has forecast economic growth of 2.7% this year and 3.7% in 2016. It will give new forecasts next month.
Economists polled by Reuters newsagency predicted 2.7% growth in 2015.
For 2016, the projection is 3.0-4.0% growth, with exports rising 3.0%.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has forecast economic growth of 2.7% this year and 3.7% in 2016. It will give new forecasts next month.
Economists in the Reuters poll predict 2.7% growth in 2015.
Southeast Asia's second-largest economy has yet to regain traction nearly 18 months after the army seized power to end political unrest. Exports and domestic demand remain weak, and economic growth last year was just 0.9%.
Source: NESDB