Thai GDP expected to grow 3.5%-4.5% in 2022 despite Omicron, says finance minister

BANGKOK, Jan 20 (Reuters): Thailand's economy is still expected to grow 3.5%-4.5% this year driven by fiscal policy, exports and investment, despite an outbreak of the Omicron coronavirus variant remaining a challenge, the finance minister said on Thursday.

Growth in 2021 is estimated to come in at only 1%, as the vital tourism sector has yet to recover significantly, but the resumption of Thailand's quarantine waiver for foreign tourists from next month should help, Finance minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told a business seminar.