Thailand denies baht manipulation ahead of US currency report

Bangkok

THAILAND rejected claims that it engages in unfair currency practices to gain a trade advantage, even as the nation appears close to meeting US criteria on exchange-rate manipulation.

In fact, the central bank faces criticism for doing too little to curb gains in the baht, the strongest performer in Asia this year, according to Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn. Countries that aim to boost overseas sales normally prefer weak currencies to make their goods cheaper.