But the inflation rate remains relatively low, giving the Bank of Thailand leeway to keep monetary policy loose to support sluggish economic growth. The core inflation rate, which excludes raw food and energy prices, was 0.75% in January, against the poll's 0.77% forecast. The central bank has predicted headline inflation, which guides monetary policy, will be 1.5% in 2017, well inside its target range of 1-4%. The central bank has kept its policy interest rate at 1.5%, near a record low, since a 25-basis-point cut in April 2015. It next reviews monetary policy on Feb 8, when no change is expected.

Source: Bangkok Post February 01, 2017 05:03 UTC