(MENAFN) Thailand's economy grew 0.3 percent in the first quarter, highlighting the task ahead for the military junta that seized power in a coup last year, The Peninsula Qatar reported.
The National Economic and Social Development Board said it expected the economy to grow 3.0-4.0 percent this year. Growth came in at just 0.7 percent in 2014, its weakest pace in three years.
In February, Thailand's finance minister said he sees at least 4.0 percent growth for 2015, something many analysts thought optimistic. The World Bank estimates growth for 2015 will be closer to 3.5 percent.
"Growth will continue to be sluggish, as only the government's spending has showed signs of picking up, while consumption, investment and exports are still very weak," an economist at TMB Bank said.
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