Thailand to go slow with rate hikes as pandemic drag lingers

BANGKOK, June 12 (Reuters): A shift by Thailand's central bank to a more hawkish footing this week stunned markets and appeared to finally end policymakers' tolerance for mounting price pressures, but a range of risks are likely to keep any tightening gradual.

The Bank of Thailand kept its benchmark interest rate at a record low on Wednesday but a split vote on the decision was a signal to markets that the central bank may raise interest rates as soon as August.