Thai central bank unexpectedly cuts policy rateStudents and job seekers visit the KU Job Fair & Education 2026 at Kasetsart University in Bangkok on Tuesday. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The Bank of Thailand (BoT) unexpectedly ​cut its key interest ​rate ‌at a review on Wednesday, as it seeks to further support the economy facing challenges including ​US ⁠tariff uncertainty and a strengthening baht. The central bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 4 to 2 to cut the one-day repurchase ⁠rate by 25 basis points to 1.00% at its first review of the year. Only six of 27 economists ​in a Reuters poll had forecast a quarter-point cut ​at ‌this week's meeting. Top economists from CIMB Thai Bank, Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research) and Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Centre (EIC) said they had expected the MPC to keep the policy rate unchanged at Wednesday's meeting, supported by stronger economic growth than forecast and an improving political outlook.

Source: Bangkok Post February 25, 2026 07:50 UTC