BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand’s central bank left its key interest rate steady on Wednesday, counter to market expectations for a cut as the economy struggles with a strengthening baht, negative inflation and U.S. tariffs.

The Bank of Thailand’s monetary policy committee voted 5 to 2 to keep the one-day repurchase rate steady at 1.50% after a quarter-point reduction at the previous meeting in August.

Only six of 26 economists in a Reuters poll had predicted rates would be kept steady this week. Nineteen had predicted a 25 basis point cut, and one forecast a 50 basis point cut.

Among those who provided a longer-term outlook on rates in the poll, 13 of 21 economists expected the policy rate to stand at 1.25% by the end of 2025. The remaining eight saw it at 1.00%.

“The Committee assesses t

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