Bangkok - Thai exports reached 14.9 billion dollars in September, notching up the kingdom's best trade performance all year, the Commerce Ministry announced Wednesday.

September's exports were up 12.2 per cent on August's, but still down 8.5 per cent when compared with Thai exports a year ago.

Last month's imports amounted to 12.9 billion dollars, up 15.4 per cent compared with August but down 17.9 per cent compared with imports in September, 2008.

"Exports were up last month because of an increase in fourth quarter orders in preparation for the Christmas season," Thai Commerce Minister Porntiwa Nathasai said.

In September, Thailand's best performing export items included tapioca, up 157 per cent, and gold, up 136.2 per cent in value.

Like most South-East Asian countries, Thailand's exports have been hard hit this year by declining orders in recession-hit US, Europe and Japan, the country's key export markets.

During the first nine months, overall exports reached 109.3 billion dollars, down 21.4 per cent compared with the same period in 2008, while imports reached 93.5 billion, down 32.7 per cent.

The country enjoyed a trade surplus of to 15.7 billion dollars in the first three quarters. (dpa)