The Prime Minister asks the MPC to reduce interest rates to 2.25 percent.

Government House, The Prime Minister asks the MPC to consider reducing interest rates to 2.25 percent, saying at the moment the government can drive only policy. Because we have to wait for the budget in 67 months of May, we insist on talking with the BoT governor all the time, honestly, without being aggressive towards each other. Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mentioning the case of negative inflation for the 4th consecutive month, monetary and fiscal policy We have already talked through the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) regarding numbers. Announcement of inflation and measures to reduce costs to help people Inflation and interest rates are big issues. But let's not forget that negative inflation Part of this comes from the government issuing measures to help people and reduce expenses, showing that there is no inflation. But if that happens, it will be a matter of higher product costs. But the government can control it so there is no inflation. But measures to increase interest rates Or not to reduce interest rates, look at demand. If there is no demand, there is no inflation. This means that this is safety to begin reducing interest rates. in order to stimulate the economy Because if interest rates are reduced then there is a problem of large demand which may cause inflation. 'But from looking at the numbers from both sides, The matter of cost prices and inflation in the past It is believed that there are many areas for reducing interest rates. which was clearly discussed About different opinions and bigotry Personally, I don't know. But the issue of inflation numbers that have been negative for the 4th consecutive month is the matter of measures that the government is trying to help the people. It is an expense relief for the people. But at this time the government does not have a budget that can be spent. Because the budget for 2024 must wait for May first. Right now, the government can only help the people through policy alone. Both about free visa Policy to stimulate investmen t from multinational companies trying to invest Therefore want to create investment and stimulate more spending Reducing interest rates is important. because it is a burden of expenses If the interest rate is reduced There is almost no risk of inflation,' the Prime Minister said. As for the measures of the Bank of Thailand (BoT), it's like a jerk of the arm. Twitching the government's leg Regarding the digital wallet project or not, the Prime Minister said he would like the media to consider it for themselves. But I think we can continue to work together. Monetary and fiscal policy must go hand in hand. Today it is clear that the inflation framework is negative, so the interest rate of 2.5 percent must be reduced to 2.25 percent, there is still room if a crisis occurs. 'I talk to the Governor of the Bank of Thailand all the time. and speak frankly There is no aggression towards each other. The numbers are proof. Agreed, no one is arguing that this is not true or incorrect. It must be accepted that inflation is not a problem. Therefore, reducing interest rates must be realized. And I would like to leave the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) that will meet. The Prime Minister addressed the meeting of the large digital wallet committee that Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance He is the one who sets the day. Expected in the middle of next week And that meeting can proceed in parallel with waiting for opinions from the National Anti-Corruption Commission or NACC, which will probably have recommendations from the NACC soon. Source: Thai News Agency