Economics
BoT says Thailand’s economy to shrink by 5.3 per cent in 2020
The Covid-19 crisis could throw Thailand into a deep recession next year according to the central bank’s latest data release.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Thai economy would contract significantly in 2020 and headline inflation would become negative, said the Bank of Thailand in a Press Release.
Nonetheless, the financial system was sound overall, with financial markets starting to function normally. Headline inflation is also forecast to contract in negative value with -1 per cent instead of 0.8% previous projections.
Policy rate at 0.75 percent
The Committee viewed that targeted measures designed to address liquidity needs would be of great importance. Most members thus voted to maintain the policy rate at this meeting. However, two members voted to cut the policy rate by 0.25 percentage point due to the significant economic contraction.
The Committee viewed that the Thai economy would markedly contract in 2020 as tourist figures and merchandise exports were severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, the slowdown of trading partner economies, and supply chain disruptions in many countries.
For 2021, Thailand’s central bank expects the economy to bounce back with growth of 3 per cent.
Economics
Thailand relaxes COVID-19 measures to help revive economy
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Thailand relaxed more virus related social curbs on September 1st, in dozens of cities including Bangkok, in a move that may indicate that the country’s economy, hit hard by COVID-19 will soon revive, lead by the export sector and sound financial fundamentals.
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