Thailand and Indonesia could be growth laggards in Asean: Nomura

[SINGAPORE] Thailand and Indonesia are expected to be growth laggards within Asean, noted Euben Paracuelles, chief Asean economist at Nomura at the Nomura Investment Forum Asia press conference held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore on Tuesday (Jun 3).

In the case of Thailand, he pointed to the 36 per cent tariff threat it faces from the US, unless it is able to negotiate for a reduction by the end of July. “Thailand is among the countries with the highest exposure to the tariffs.”

Another reason is the tight lending policy of the banks in Thailand, Paracuelles added, citing the negative loan-growth figures in the country over the past few months.