Pace of rate rises will be gradual – Bank of Thailand

• Aug 24, 2022

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) will raise interest rates gradually to ensure a smooth take-off as it fights inflation, its governor said on Wednesday.

Keeping inflation under control is key but there is no need for aggressive, heroically large rate hikes, BoT governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput told a Thailand Focus 2022 business forum.

Earlier this month, the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee voted 6-1 to raise its key interest rate for the first time in nearly four years, by 25 basis points to 0.75%, to curb inflation. It will next review policy on Sept 28.

According to minutes of the BoT meeting on Wednesday, gradual rate hikes were consistent with the country’s growth and inflation.

Monetary policy normalisation should be done in a gradual and measured manner in the period ahead, the minutes said.

– 3.0-3.5% growth forecast –

At the business forum, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the Thai economy is resilient and expected to expand 3.0-3.5% this year.

The government will continue to invest to support growth, Mr Arkhom said.

Fiscal space remains ample should more stimulus measures be needed, he added.

Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2375905/pace-of-rate-rises-will-be-gradual-bank-of-thailand