Thailand's trade deficit in April was 560 million U.S. dollars compared with the surplus of 324.5 million U.S. dollars in March, the Thai Commerce Ministry said Monday.

Thailand's exports in April increased by 11.7 percent year-on- year to reach 9.21 billion U.S. dollars, while imports in April rose slightly by 0.3 percent to 9.77 billion U.S. dollars, said Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak

Thailand - a net petroleum importer - has been hard hit by rising oil prices and the strengthening of the baht currency against the dollar, which has undermined the price competitiveness of its exports.

The World Bank has predicted that the Thai economy could grow 5 percent this year if exports remain robust.

The bank expects Thailand's 2006 exports to earn the country 126 billion U.S. dollars, up 15 percent over 2005, with imports projected to increase by 14 percent, to 134 billion U.S. dollars.

Source: Xinhua