BOT retains 2.8% inflation forecast despite January surge

The inflation forecast for this year stays at 2.8 per cent despite January's 3.39-per-cent figure, as capital inflows will not likely push up prices, the Bank of Thailand said Monday.

"We considered the average annual figure. Now, there's no need to revise our estimate. If the government changes its policy on excise taxes on diesel, we may have to review it," said Songtum Pinto, director of the central bank's Monetary Policy Office.

January's inflation reading of 3.39 per cent from the Commerce Ministry was close to the BOT's estimate, he said.

The Nation