Thailand's Central Bank Holds Rates as Mideast War Complicates Outlook

By Amanda Lee and Fabiana Negrin Ochoa

Thailand's central bank held rates steady, returning to the sidelines after two consecutive rate cuts as it gauges the impact of the Middle East war on the fragile economy.

The Bank of Thailand made its decision as fallout from the conflict threatens to derail the fledgling recovery seen at the end of last year.

As an energy-driven supply shock complicates the outlook for the Southeast Asian economy, the BOT monetary policy committee voted unanimously to keep its policy rate at 1.00%.

The move was expected by all 12 economists polled by The Wall Street Journal, and comes ahead of the Federal Reserve's own decision, which is widely anticipated to be a hold.

Write to Amanda Lee at [e-mail] and Fabiana Negrin Ochoa at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-29-26 0321ET