Asia - Thailand particularly vulnerable to global downturn (Apr 07)

With the external environment beginning to weaken, the smaller Asian economies are gradually slowing after a buoyant 2006. However, full-year growth should remain fairly close to last year’s strong rates in most countries across the region. One exception is Thailand which looks particularly vulnerable to a global downturn. In contrast, the boom in India looks set to continue. With the notable exception of India, inflation is easing across the region, leaving open the prospect for further interest rate cuts over the next few months.