Thailand's economy could grow between 4.5% and 5.5% this year as the global economy continues to recover, according to the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).
The NESDB reported on Monday that major economic powers such as China, Europe and the United States are starting to pick up. The government's investments in mega-projects will also help stimulate the country's economy and local demand.
Inflation would be in the range of 2.5% to 3.5% for the entire year 2013, according to the forecast.
Capital movement is one of the key risk factors this year because the baht's heavy fluctuation could put pressure on the economy, the NESDB said.
Gross domestic product rose 18.9% in the three months through December from a year earlier, after expanding a revised 3.1% in the previous quarter. The economy grew 6.4% in 2012 from 0.1% in 2011, when a deluge swamped many parts of the country bringing a lot of industry to a halt.