Thai banks asked to freeze rates even as c.bank will hike policy rate-FinMin

BANGKOK, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Thailand's commercial banks should not rush to raise their interest rates even though the central bank will tighten monetary policy, the finance minister said on Wednesday.

The central bank is widely expected to raise its key rate for the first time in nearly four years later on Wednesday.

The economy remains strong and can cope with any wage increases later this year, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told reporters.

(Reporting by Kitiphong Thaichareon Writing by Orathai Sriring Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor)