2.1. Overview of Thai Monetary Policy
Thailand has used a managed-float exchange rate regime since July 1997, and this is consistent with the inflationtargeting regime that has been in place since 2000. Under the inflation-targeting and managed-float framework, market forces are allowed to determine the value of the Baht which reflect demand and supply for the Baht in the foreign exchange markets. As stated by Waiquamdee et al. (2005) in the aftermath of the Asian crisis, there have been common changes from intermediate exchange rate regimes to “corner solutions” that, on the one hand, may have a clean float or a rigid peg or, on the other, may have a managed floating regime. Many countries (including Thailand) have stepped towards managed floating regime, which involves the occasional intervention into the overseas exchange market by the central bank in response to particular concerns and shocks. After the fluctuation of the Baht, the priority of macroeconomic policy turned towards the restoration of both internal and external stability. With the support of the international monetary fund (IMF), Thailand initiated a series of economic adjustments and reforms to deal with the problems in the economic structure in order to restore investors’ confidence. Regarding the monetary policy framework, this required a new nominal anchor after the neglect of the fixed exchange rate regime. Under an IMF program, Thailand adopted a monetary targeting regime that aimed to make the supply of domestic money consistent with macroeconomic policy. At the same time, the Bank of Thailand extensively and carefully sought the most suitable monetary framework for Thailand, the one that would best focus on the expectations of the market and would strengthen the credibility of the monetary policy. So far, the new currency regime and monetary policy have offered a credible, flexible, and transparent framework that will serve to facilitate an economic recovery in Thailand. In particular, as long as inflation remains within the target range, the Bank of Thailand has the flexibility to vary the balance between inflation and growth.