AI In-brief 19 Sept 13:52

KKP upgrades Thai GDP growth forecast to 2.5%

Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP) upgraded Thailand's GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 2.5% and 2027 to 2.7%, driven by strong tourism, private investment, and exports linked to the global AI capital expenditure cycle.
The upward revision is primarily fueled by the growing strength of Thailand's electronics supply chain, particularly in data storage and AI infrastructure components, which are experiencing a rapid surge in demand.
KKP cautions that the national economy faces a 'K-shaped recovery,' with tech-driven sectors expanding rapidly while traditional industries and grassroots segments remain stagnant due to structural pressures and intense import competition.
The group urges the government and private sector to address structural issues by upgrading the value chain, integrating local suppliers, and effectively managing resources to ensure AI investment benefits remain within the country.
KKP anticipates the Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee will hold policy interest rates steady through 2027, as current inflationary pressures are temporary and rate hikes could strain vulnerable sectors without curbing high-income growth drivers.

AI In-brief Today 15:56

Thai central bank says financial institutions are prepared to deal with the cyber threats

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) instructs domestic financial institutions to boost preparedness, conduct emergency drills, and closely monitor for cyberattacks, despite no incidents reported so far.
BOT convened key financial sector bodies, including the Thai Bankers’ Association, to strengthen preventive measures, enhance information sharing, and assess risks against potential cyber threats.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) highlights its 24/7 Security Operations Centre, actively safeguarding customer information and transactions from increasingly complex, AI-driven cyber threats.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a national meeting with security and cybersecurity agencies to discuss strategies for coping with evolving cyber threats on a national level.