Impact of government handouts less than expected as many repaid debts, says governor Sethaput
PUBLISHED : 30 Jan 2025 at 16: 34
Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput gestures during an interview with Reuters in Bangkok on Jan 30. (Photo: Reuters)
BANGKOK – Thailand’s economic growth may falter this year, following a weaker-than-expected fourth quarter when consumption cratered despite a government cash handout aimed up firing up sluggish growth, according to Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput.
The central bank previously forecast that the economy could expand by 2.9% this year, lower than the Ministry of Finance projection of 3%.
“I have to say that there is some downside risk to that figure,” Mr Sethaput told Reuters in an interview.
He estimated the economy expanded by 2.7% in 2024, with the final-quarter pace above 3% but still weaker than forecast.
The National Economic and Social development Council will release the official 2024 growth figures on
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