Thailand’s economy is expected to grow between 2.5 per cent and 3.0 per cent this year, a leading joint business group said on Wednesday (Oct 4), maintaining its previous estimate.

Exports, a key driver of the Thai economy, are expected to fall between 0.5 per cent to 2 per cent this year, said the group, which has representatives from industry, banking and commerce.

It also maintained a forecast of 29 to 30 million foreign arrivals to Thailand this year.

“The global economy is slowing and recovery may not be fast, which poses a risk to exports,” the group’s chair, Sanan Angubolkul said.

The weak baht will help tourism and exports, but importers will suffer, he said, adding that 35 baht to the dollar was a manageable level for businesses.

The baht this week slipped to an 11-month low, trading at 37.21 on Wednesday.

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The group welcomed policies including the visa waiver for Chinese tourists and plans to expand free trade agreements, but said the government’s plan to give away US$15.05 billion through digital wallets should be properly targeted.

“If it was given to target groups rather than giving it to every one, it would save money,” Sanan told reporters.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s signature policy is a 10,000 baht (S$369.45) handout to all Thai nationals aged above 16 through a digital wallet to be spent in their communities. REUTERS