Thai central bank chief sees gradual economic recovery in H2

[BANGKOK] Thailand's economy is expected to recover gradually in the second half of the year but growth will be uneven and the central bank is ready to act if activity does not expand as forecast, the governor said on Thursday.

The central bank left its policy rate unchanged at 1.5 per cent on Wednesday and raised its 2016 economic growth forecast to 3.2 per cent from 3.1 percent but kept its 2017 projection at 3.2 per cent, with domestic and external risks.

Higher non-performing loans and whether consumption will continue are among the risks for the Thai economy, Bank of Thailand Governor Veerathai Santiprabhob told reporters.

REUTERS