Thailand's economic growth in July-September is expected to have slowed from the previous quarter, a Reuters poll showed, as softer exports and tourism offset a pickup in private consumption.
The median estimate from a poll of 12 economists saw seasonally-adjusted growth of 0.6% in the third quarter versus the second quarter. Respondents' estimates ranged from 0.2% to 1.1%.
Gross domestic product grew 1% in the June quarter, slowing from the first quarter's 2.1%, which was the fastest pace in five years.
The poll's median forecast saw annual growth at 4.2% in the September quarter, below the June quarter's 4.6%.
The Bank of Thailand has forecast slower growth in July-September and said it might lower its 2018 export growth forecast following September's unexpected decline in shipments.
Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, which is heavily reliant on external demand, has seen a pick-up in growth, although exports have slowed and tourism took a hit after a boat accident in July killed 47 Chinese visitors.
Exports to China, its second-biggest market, slumped 14% in September on-year, and are likely to remain weak in the wake of the intensifying Sino-US trade war.
Tim Leelahaphan, an economist of Standard Chartered, said while growth likely slowed, it would remain robust and in line with Thailand's potential growth rate of around 4%.
Political campaign spending leading up to a general election, which needs to be held by May, should give a "short-term boost to growth" through campaign-related activity and rural spending, he said.
The median forecast in the poll for full-year growth in 2018 was 4.5% and was 4.2% for 2019. Last year's growth was 3.9%, the fastest expansion in five years.
In July-September, Thailand's year-on-year exports growth slowed to 2.6% from the June quarter's 12.3%. Manufacturing also moderated.
Growth in third quarter foreign tourist arrivals slowed sharply to 1.9% on-year, with Chinese visitors down 9%.
But annual growth in private consumption accelerated to 6.5% the third quarter, with domestic car sales surging.
Private investment rose 2.8% from a year earlier, while government expenditure increased 2.3%.
The National Economic and Social Development Board, which compiles GDP data, forecast GDP to grow 4.2-4.7% this year, with exports up 10%. It will publish new projections on Monday.
The Monetary Police Committee on Wednesday left its policy interest rate unchanged at 1.5%. But it noted a reduced need for accommodative policy, reinforcing the view that it might next month hike the rate for the first time in more than seven years.