Policy interest rate
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to maintain the policy rate at 1.5% at its
September meeting. The MPC saw the Thai economy continuing its recovery at a gradual pace while monetary
conditions remained accommodative and conducive to economic recovery. Inflation tends to reach the policy
target range by the end of this year. However, risks increased from uncertainties about global economic recovery.
The MPC gave significant consideration to a fragile global economic recovery and uncertainties on the monetary
policy direction of major advanced economies and financial stability.
The EIC predicts that the MPC will hold the policy rate at 1.5% throughout 2016. The reasons for maintaining
the rate are as follows: 1) the Thai economy is gradually recovering and there is no need to further lower the
policy rate to boost the economy; 2) the need to preserve policy space is pertinent, especially when downside
risks from the global economy significantly increased; and 3) search-for-yield behaviors and risks to financial
stability may result from a ‘low for long’ environment. Any further rate cuts, therefore, must take into account
such factors. After the Brexit vote, the MPC addressed concerns that the appreciation of the baht would not be
beneficial to the Thai economy. However, the EIC assesses that the stronger baht will only lasting in the short
term following capital inflows. A rate cut is therefore not necessary during this time.