0309 GMT - Thailand's latest purchasing managers' index data compiled by S&P Global signals continuous expansion in the manufacturing sector. Headline manufacturing PMI rose to 54.2 in July, up from 53.6 in June. The upturn was driven by more inflows of new orders, supporting business confidence. The manufacturing sector began 3Q on a strong note, as rates of growth in output and new orders continue to gather pace, says Phil Smith, economics associate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Still, firms continue to keep a tight grip on overheads, with employment levels kept broadly stable despite a growing backlog of work, Smith adds.