(File photo)Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) expects the Bank of Thailand to hold its policy rate through next year before starting normalisation in 2018. Despite the low interest rate, domestic consumption is expected to grow 2.2% next year, a slower clip than the 2.5% projected for this year, mainly due to tumbling crop prices. State investment growth is expected to slow to 8.5% in 2017 from 11.5% because of a high base effect. "This would have an impact on domestic investment and local business operators and they should prepare for adjustments in line with changes in the global situation." Moody's expects global growth to climb to about 3% next year and in 2018 from 2.6% in 2016.

Source: Bangkok Post November 14, 2016 21:57 UTC