Thai exports in January rose by nearly one-third -- 30.83 per cent-- year-on-year, with a value of US$13,723, Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai, targeting this year’s entire exports to grow 14 per cent.

Mrs Pornthiva on Friday said that exports in all categories have expanded for three consecutive months.

In January, exports of agricultural and agro-industrial products such as rice, natural rubber, cassava, sugar and food products were up 46.2 per cent while rising exports of industrial goods like electronic appliances, vehicles grew 27.8 per cent

Thailand's main export markets have continued expanding 28.4 per cent while the new markets increased by 33.2 per cent. High growth of the new markets was recorded at 141.7 per cent for India, 96 per cent for Taiwan and 94.2 per cent for China, Mrs Pornthiva said.

Meanwhile, import values in January stood at $13,208, an increase of 44.8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Rising imports included fuel by 59.6 per cent, consumer goods by 22.9 per cent, and vehicles and transportation equipment by 47.3 per cent.

Thailand enjoyed a trade surplus of $516 million in January 2010.

However, the 2010 entire export is projected to expand 14 per cent, worth $173 billion due to continuing global economic recovery and the kicking in of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, the commerce minister said.

Due to both factors, Thai exports in February and March are expected to turn positive with the further value of $13 billion. Even though the baht value is forecast to stand at Bt33 per dollar, exports in the first quarter may expand 17 per cent, to $39-40 billion.

Regarding Thailand's internal political instability, Mrs Pornthiva is confident that the government can control the situation as it has already issued measures to brace for a possible untoward incident. Speaking about Vietnam’s dong devaluation, she said if the devaluation happens again, it will not be a sharp devaluation.

Mrs Pornthiva believes that Thai export products can compete with Vietnamese goods.