(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The World Bank predicts Thai economic activity will return to 2019 levels by the end of 2022, helping support GDP growth of 3.9% next year, up from 1% this year. The World Bank left its estimate for 2021 Thai GDP growth unchanged at 1%. However, Mr Kiatipong said the Thai economy still faces downside risks based on several uncertainties both internationally and locally. The sustained reopening of international borders will undoubtedly affect the country's tourism and GDP growth, said Mr Kiatipong. However, a recent 2021 World Bank household phone survey indicates the impact of the pandemic has been particularly severe on vulnerable groups.

Source: Bangkok Post December 15, 2021 05:23 UTC