Thai consumer prices rose for the first time this year in October, the commerce ministry said Monday.

Thai auto exports in September slumped by a third year-on-year but posted the highest monthly figure for 2009 amid signs of an improving global market, an industry group said Tuesday.

Thai exports reached US$14.9 billion in September, notching up the kingdom's best trade performance all year, the Commerce Ministry announced Wednesday.

A landmark court ruling suspending operations in major industrial zone has raised doubts about the ability of Thailand's shaky government to protect investors.

Concern over the health of Thailand's 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has been hospitalized for almost a month, has sparked turmoil in the country's stock market.

Thailand's exports reached US$13.3 billion in August, the highest level yet this year, the Commerce Ministry said Thursday.

Thailand vehicle sales accelerated a downward trend in August, dropping 8.2 percent year-on-year in the 15th consecutive month to show a fall, the industry said Wednesday.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is hiring 1,300 workers in Thailand, the latest sign of a global auto recovery, coming a day after Toyota announced it was adding 800 employees in Japan.

Thailand is studying a possible currency swap agreement with China that would make it easier for exporters to settle some of their trade in the two currencies, Bank of Thailand Deputy Governor Atchana Waiquamdee said.

Thailand's economy emerged from recession in the second quarter as manufacturing grew and the government boosted spending.