BANGKOK (Reuters – Thailand’s first quarter GDP grew faster that expected, according to official data. This was due to stronger exports, an easing COVID-19 curbs, and higher consumption.

Southeast Asia’s second largest economy grew 1.1% over the past three months in March, according to data provided by the National Economic and Social Development Council. That was a 1.8% increase from the prior quarter, which beat a forecast 0.9% in a Reuters poll. And this is after 1.8% growth in 2021.

Gross domestic product (GDP), on a year-to-year basis, grew by 2.2% between January and March, surpassing the 2.1% increase forecasted, and against an revised 1.8% for the three previous months.