Central bank chief says stronger growth needed
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Central bank chief says stronger growth needed

Royal Thai Navy personnel steer the ‘Narai Song Suban’ Royal Barge along the Chao Phraya River at the National Museum of Royal Barges in Bangkok Noi district on July 5, 2024. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
Royal Thai Navy personnel steer the ‘Narai Song Suban’ Royal Barge along the Chao Phraya River at the National Museum of Royal Barges in Bangkok Noi district on July 5, 2024. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)

SYDNEY: Thailand's economic recovery is uneven and stronger growth is needed, Bank of Thailand (BoT) governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput told a seminar on Tuesday.

Mr Sethaput said Thailand's potential economic growth rate of about 3% was not high enough. The central bank has forecast economic growth of 2.6% this year and 3% next year.

Last year's expansion of 1.9% lagged regional peers. He also said the central bank would ensure inflation and living costs were not too high.

Despite government calls for policy easing, the BoT held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.50% for a fourth straight meeting last month. The next rate review is on Aug 21.

Last week, Mr Sethaput said there was currently no need to cut rates, but the central bank was ready to adjust if the outlook shifted.

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