The central bank is monitoring the effects of a strong baht on exports, but pressure to cut rates to hold it down has dissipated on improving global demand, recovering consumption and a pick-up in tourism. It has said financial conditions and ample liquidity are supportive of growth, and has warned of risks from a prolonged low interest rate environment. The strong baht and calls from the government and business groups for a rate cut failed to move the central bank at its September meeting. All 14 analysts in the poll who had a year-end view on rates predicted no policy change. For 2018, eight of 10 analysts forecast rates would stay on hold, while two predicted a hike.

Source: Bangkok Post November 06, 2017 19:18 UTC