Orathai Sriring

Thailand's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday, a move it said was a response to a weaker growth outlook and increased risks posed by global trade policy uncertainty.

Car production in Thailand fell a surprisingly large 24.63% in January from a year earlier to 107,103 units due to weak domestic sales and exports, the Federation of Thai Industries said on Monday.

Thailand's low inflation means there is room for an interest rate cut to boost economic growth and help weaken the baht THB=TH to support exports, the finance minister said on Monday, ahead of a scheduled review of rates this week.

Thailand will sign a deal next month to sell South Africa 300,000 metric tons of rice worth 5.25 billion baht ($156 million), the commerce minister said on Tuesday.

Thailand's economy grew less than expected into the end of 2024, data showed on Monday, and analysts said hopes of an improving outlook for this year are clouded by concerns that the country's export engine could be hit with U.S. tariffs.

Thailand is hoping it will not face U.S. tariff measures and will do everything to make sure the country is not a target, the commerce minister said on Friday, amid concerns that the country's trade surplus with Washington could become an issue.

Thailand’s economy is expected to grow 2.9% this year, the World Bank said on Friday, down slightly from 3.0% projected in October but still accelerating from 2.6% estimated for 2024.

Thailand will start the selection process for a new central bank governor in March to replace incumbent Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, whose five-year term ends in September, the finance minister said on Monday.

Thailand's government plans to set up a long-term equity fund to support the Thai stock market , the finance minister said on Tuesday, as the bourse has been the worst performing market in Asia so far this year.

Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved support for non-bank debtors, a deputy finance minister said, as the government tries to tackle stubbornly high household debt that has been a drag on the economy.

Thailand's government will implement the third phase of its 450 billion baht ($13.4 billion) stimulus scheme in the second quarter of 2025, and will also discuss more measures later this month, a deputy finance minister said on Wednesday.

Thailand's finance ministry wants to see a cut in interest rates this year to be align with economic fundamentals and will discuss monetary policy easing with the central bank, a deputy finance minister said on Monday.

Thailand's economic growth may falter at under 2.9% this year after a weaker-than-expected fourth quarter despite a vaunted government cash handout aimed at firing up sluggish growth, the central bank chief said on Thursday.

Thailand's economy is expected to grow between 3% and 3.5% this year, driven by stimulus measures and strong foreign investment, while tourist numbers should surpass 2024 figures, the finance minister said on Monday.

Most Thais oppose the government's plan to legalise casinos and online gambling, moves the authorities say would boost tourism and investment, an opinion survey found on Sunday.

Thailand's consumer spending over the Lunar New Year period could rise 4.5% to a five-year high of 52 billion baht ($1.54 billion), helped by government stimulus measures and higher income, a survey showed on Friday.

Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday agreed to levy a carbon tax of 200 baht ($5.88) per ton of carbon emissions, a deputy finance minister said, as part of the country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Thailand's government is planning to implement the third phase of its signature $14 billion "digital wallet" handout scheme in April, a deputy finance minister said on Tuesday, as it tries to stimulate its economy.

Thai national Ekkalak Paenoi faces charges including premeditated murder in the Tuesday shooting death of Lim Kimya, 74, in the Thai capital.

Thailand's central bank is expected to cut rates twice, totalling 50 basis points this year starting in the second quarter this year, the Bond Market Association said on Thursday.