PM Srettha defends Paetongtarn’s criticism of the central bank

14 Sept 01:09 Key points summarised by AI

Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra publicly criticized the Bank of Thailand's independence, asserting it obstructs the government's economic recovery initiatives due to high interest rates.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended Paetongtarn, explaining her comments reflected public and business sector grievances over the central bank's refusal to cut the 2.5% policy rate.
Srettha acknowledged the central bank's independence but stressed the need for government and financial institutions to collaborate for public benefit, planning discussions with the new finance minister.
Paetongtarn's criticism sparked immediate backlash from prominent figures, who deemed her statements serious, politically motivated, and potentially damaging to the central bank's autonomy.

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