Thailand keeps rate near record low to shield growth

Bangkok

THAILAND'S central bank held its key interest rate near a record low to shield the nation's economic recovery as the threat of trade protectionism mounts.

The one-day bond repurchase rate was left at 1.5 per cent, with monetary policy committee members unanimously in favour, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) said in Bangkok on Wednesday. All 22 economists surveyed by Bloomberg predicted the decision.