Thai economic growth uneven, drought impact more severe

BANGKOK, May 12:   Thailand’s economy is recovering but growth is uneven, while the impact of drought will be more severe and longer than previously expected, the central bank governor said on Thursday. The central bank will ensure that the baht is no impediment to the economy but will not use the currency to boost trade, Bank of Thailand Governor Veerathai Santiprabhob told reporters. But the central bank has no targets for the baht, he added. The BOT’s monetary policy committee on Wednesday unanimously voted to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.50 percent, where it has been since April 2015, but cited increased risks to the economy. (AGENCIES)