The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is forecast to record 16% compound annual growth in the next five years despite the slowing economy in China, says the brokerage CLSA. Last year Thailand welcomed 8.3 million Chinese tourists, accounting for 36% of all arrivals.
Debt repayments by farmers and SMEs will be a challenge for Thai financial institutions this year amid the slow economic recovery, says the Bank of Thailand. Agricultural households are the most vulnerable, and could be affected at a greater degree from the drought in the first half of 2015 and low commodity prices, it said.
Headline inflation is expected to move back into positive territory in the first half of this year, says central bank governor Veerathai Santiprabhob. He noted that the effect of the high base oil price was wearing off, while growing demand in line with the economic pickup would also help lift prices.