Thai economy can still grow 4% this year: central bank chief

[BANGKOK] Thailand's economy is still expected to grow 4 per cent this year, with annual growth of 4.5 per cent seen in the first half, on optimism over government spending, the central bank governor said on Thursday.

The central bank will ensure the baht will move in line with economic fundamental, Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatevorakul told a news conference.

On Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund lowered its 2015 growth forecast for Thailand to 3.5 per cent from 4.6 per cent seen in October.

Southeast Asia's second-largest economy is still struggling to regain traction nearly nine months after the army took power to end months of political unrest.

REUTERS