Thai central bank in no rush to raise rates, governor says
Bank of Thailand governor Vitai Ratanakorn speaks to members of media during a news conference, in Bangkok, Thailand, October 10, 2025. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
BANGKOK, Oct 8 : Thailand's central bank chief said on Thursday there is no rush to raise interest rates and monetary policy could not address structural issues constraining economic growth.
• The central bank left its key interest rate unchanged at 1.00 per cent in August and its next monetary policy review is on October 28.
• Addressing a business forum on Thursday, Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn said the economy was still seen growing about 2.3 per cent this year, driven by investment.
• Flooding is expected to have some impact on GDP, although the full impact is still being assessed as the disruption has lasted longer and spread wider than initially expected, he said.
• Early assessments assumed the impact would be largely confined to Bangkok, but the broader extent of flooding could result in a larger economic hit, Vitai said.
• Late last month, Bangkok's governor declared the capital a disaster-affected zone after nearly 300 mm (12 inches) of rain swamped the city in just three days, as much as it typically receives in the whole of September.
• Inflation would slow to around 2 per cent in 2026, from June's forecast of 2.8 per cent, meaning there is no urgency to raise interest rates, unlike in other countries, he said.
• Annual headline inflation averaged 1.54 per cent in the first nine months of 2026, within the central bank's target range of 1 per cent to 3 per cent.
• Exports are expected to grow 17 per cent to 18 per cent this year, up from the 14 per cent expansion seen earlier, Vitai said.
• Export gains are partly offset by rising imports, limiting their overall contribution to GDP growth, he said.
