Bangkok, The Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of the Thai Chamber of Commerce stated that tomorrow's meeting of the Board of Directors will bring together the issue of differences in interest rates on loans and deposits of commercial banks, along with making recommendations to the BoT and looking into suitability. so that the economy can move forward Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, mentioned the case of the Prime Minister and academics. The private sector as well as the public are concerned about the excessive difference in interest rates on loans and deposits. From the point of view of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, it is also seen that if commercial banks can reduce interest rates, it will help reduce the burden on the people. Reduce costs for entrepreneurs and facilitate access to capital sources. It also helps speed up the recovery of the Thai economy more quickly. Tomorrow (January 10), the FTI meeting will likely have a discussion to jointly assess the situation on the said issue. However, even at this time, the Thai Chamber of Commerce views that the current Thai interest rates are at an appropriate and acceptable level, but hopes that the Bank of Thailand (BoT) will not raise interest rates yet. And if in the international market there is a reduction in interest rates, I would like the BoT to reduce interest rates to suit the situation of the Thai economy in order to be consistent with reality. As for the general inflation numbers that have been negative for 3 consecutive months, the Thai Chamber of Commerce still views that this part is likely due to technical reductions. According to the government's policy to reduce the cost of living in energy, both electricity costs and fuel prices. In addition, the price of crude oil in the world market has decreased, which in terms of core inflation has slightly increased. It shows that Thailand still has some purchasing power. The general inflation rate in 2023 is at 1.23%, while the fiscal policy that the government is implementing both Visa exemptions to stimulate tourism, Easy E-Receipt, and the push for the Digital Wallet project will help stimulate the recovery of the Thai economy and it is expected that in 2024, inflation will likely increase to 2.0-2.5%, which is In the framework that the Ministry of Finance and BoT maintain at 1 - 3% etc. Source: Thai News Agency