Thailand Deputy Finance Minister Santitarn Sathirathai said foreign investment
is surging as political stability and policy continuity return. Thailand Board
of Investment (BOI) data show investment inflows rose about 30% in Q2 after
gains of more than 20% in Q1; BOI-supported projects account for roughly 30% of
total investment. Sathirathai said Thailand’s relatively low inflation, external
fiscal strength and looser monetary policy are advantages as other economies
face price spikes, exchange-rate volatility and higher rates. The baht is down
5.3% year-to-date, less than the Indonesian rupiah or Philippine peso; he said
recent baht weakness could support growth and competitiveness. Equities have
continued to rise.
