The Thai economy in 2014 expanded only by 0.7 percent, owing to internal and external constraints that
inhibited growth. In the first half of the year, the economy experienced zero growth as political situation
hindered certain government operations and undermined the confidence of households, businesses and
foreign tourists. An elevated level of household debt contributed to restrained consumer spending as well as
to cautious lending by financial institutions. Recovery of merchandise exports was slow due to a gradual
improvement in global demand. Nevertheless, in the latter half of 2014, the Thai economy recovered
gradually after the easing of political uncertainty. Domestic spending and the tourism sector improved,
while the government resumed its normal operation. Additionally, investment in telecommunications and
retail businesses gathered pace to meet the expected growing future demand. However, overall economic
recovery was sluggish as merchandise exports remained weak in tandem with major trading partners’ economic
conditions, particularly China, Japan and Europe.
Overall economic stability was nonetheless well preserved. Headline inflation declined on account of a
sharp fall in domestic oil prices, while core inflation increased due to the pass-through of higher liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) prices to food prices. At the same time, financial position of businesses and financial
institutions remained strong. Private household and corporate credits slowed down in line with the overall
economic conditions and cautious lending of financial institutions, after a high rate of growth in the preceding
years. External stability was also well maintained. The current account registered a surplus. The capital
account was in a deficit as Thai investors increased investment abroad, both in the form of direct investment
and portfolio investment. Meanwhile, the movements of Thai baht were driven by the political situation,
signs of the U.S. economic recovery, and differences in monetary policy of major economies. However,
overall the Thai baht experienced low volatility comparing to the previous year.
The Thai economy in 2014 expanded only by 0.7 percent, owing to internal and external constraints thatinhibited growth. In the first half of the year, the economy experienced zero growth as political situationhindered certain government operations and undermined the confidence of households, businesses andforeign tourists. An elevated level of household debt contributed to restrained consumer spending as well asto cautious lending by financial institutions. Recovery of merchandise exports was slow due to a gradualimprovement in global demand. Nevertheless, in the latter half of 2014, the Thai economy recoveredgradually after the easing of political uncertainty. Domestic spending and the tourism sector improved,while the government resumed its normal operation. Additionally, investment in telecommunications andretail businesses gathered pace to meet the expected growing future demand. However, overall economicrecovery was sluggish as merchandise exports remained weak in tandem with major trading partners’ economicconditions, particularly China, Japan and Europe.Overall economic stability was nonetheless well preserved. Headline inflation declined on account of asharp fall in domestic oil prices, while core inflation increased due to the pass-through of higher liquefiedpetroleum gas (LPG) prices to food prices. At the same time, financial position of businesses and financialinstitutions remained strong. Private household and corporate credits slowed down in line with the overalleconomic conditions and cautious lending of financial institutions, after a high rate of growth in the precedingyears. External stability was also well maintained. The current account registered a surplus. The capitalaccount was in a deficit as Thai investors increased investment abroad, both in the form of direct investmentand portfolio investment. Meanwhile, the movements of Thai baht were driven by the political situation,signs of the U.S. economic recovery, and differences in monetary policy of major economies. However,overall the Thai baht experienced low volatility comparing to the previous year.
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