THAILAND

Trade Deficit Jumps: Thailand’s trade deficit registered a 75.6% rise in February compared to the same month last year because of increased purchases of factory machinery and foreign cars, according to a central bank official. The Bank of Thailand’s latest trade figures show a deficit of $866 million in February, with exports of $2.26 billion, up 21.6% from February, 1992, and imports of $3.62 billion, an increase of 31.1%. “We’re seeing a return to much-needed investment in capital goods, mainly machinery,” said Pisit Leeahtham, director of the governor’s office.