Bank of Thailand holds benchmark interest rate at 1 percent amid Iran war

11 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Apr 29

The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep the one-day repurchase rate at 1%, its lowest since late 2022, with one seat vacant and six members attending.
The decision aims to support Thailand's economy against the drag from the ongoing war in Iran and related oil shocks, prioritizing growth over inflation concerns.
This marks the third consecutive meeting with no rate change, following two earlier cuts, as policymakers respond to economic uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and energy-driven supply disruptions.

Can Thailand's fiscal stimulus truly counter a global energy crisis while monetary policy is on hold?

Is holding interest rates steady the right move for Thailand's high-debt households facing stagflation?

Is the current crisis simply exposing Thailand's deeper, pre-existing structural economic weaknesses?

Can this energy crisis ironically accelerate Thailand's pivot to green manufacturing and EV industries?

The Strait of Hormuz is closed. How long can Asia's economies withstand this critical supply shock?

As Southeast Asia turns to Russian oil, what are the long-term geopolitical risks for the region?