Bank of Thailand to hike its benchmark by 25bps to 1.75% - TDS

Analysts at TD Securities expect Bank of Thailand to hike its benchmark by 25bps to 1.75%.

Key Quotes

“Although BoT’s MPC left policy unchanged in November three out of seven members voted for a 25bp hike, suggesting that the central bank is edging closer to a move after three years on hold.”

“A likely hike at this meeting will be largely due to financial imbalances (household debt and bad loans) rather than due inflation concerns. While Q3 GDP came in weaker than expected soon after the last meeting we think the growth picture is sufficiently firm to withstand a hike.”