Thailand’s economy gained some strength in Q3 as a pickup in exports more than offset faltering domestic demand. More recent data point to a slight deceleration in growth in the final quarter. Indeed, in October, manufacturing contracted at the steepest rate in nearly a year and exports disappointed. Thailand signed several important deals with China earlier this month, where, among other things, it agreed on selling up to 1 million tonnes of rice to a Chinese food conglomerate as well as building an ambitious 900km railway. The deal marks the latest attempt to build closer ties between Thailand’s military junta and the Chinese government. The Thai government has been struggling to revive the sluggish economy since it came to power in May of last year. Moreover, uncertainties remain regarding whether the draft of the new constitution will be ready by April next year and failure to deliver it on time will postpone democratic elections.