BANGKOK: Thailand's economy is expected to grow 2% this year, central bank governor Vitai Ratanakorn told a news briefing on Tuesday.
* Headline inflation was expected to reach 3% this year and then was expected to ease next year, he told reporters.
* For 2027, growth was seen at 1.7% and headline inflation at 1.4%, the central bank said in a statement.
* The annual inflation rate rose to 2.89% in April, the highest rate in more than three years, due to higher energy costs.
* Exports this year are expected to grow by 12% to 13%, and the trade balance may return to surplus in the fourth quarter, Vitai said.
* He said key rates would remain unchanged unless the situation changes.
* The government has launched a 176 billion baht ($5.4 billion) consumer subsidy scheme, under which it will subsidise 60% of the prices of certain goods to ease the cost of living.
* Last month, Vitai said growth was expected to hit 2.1% this year. He has previously forecast growth of 1.6% for 2027.
* The BOT held its policy rate steady at 1.00% at a review in April. The next rate meeting is on June 24. - Reuters
