SCB Economic Intelligence Center forecasts 4% GDP growth this year

BANGKOK, 8th January 2018 (NNT) - The Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center (EIC) has forecast that continued economic growth in Thailand and global economic recovery will lead to 4% growth in the country's gross domestic product (GDP) this year, but cited risk factors including foreign monetary policies and geopolitical conflict.

EIC Senior Economist Pacharapot Nantarama has taken the view that Thailand's economy in 2018 will gain momentum due to increased global demand for its exports, which are expected to grow as much as 5%. In addition, the government's stimulus measures for private investment, foreign investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor, and continuous growth in the tourism sector should push annual GDP growth to 4%.

However, disputes between North Korea and other countries as well as a likely slowdown in quantitative easing by central banks, which would lead to higher interest rates, are factors that could result in stock market declines. The Thai baht is also expected to settle at around 32 - 33 baht per US dollar, which may stifle the prices of agricultural commodities amid competition from Vietnam.

National News Bureau Of Thailand | SCB Economic Intelligence Center forecasts 4% GDP growth this year