Strong baht, more RCEP delays

Despite the worries of policymakers, there is little evidence that the strong baht is to blame for the weakness of exports. While Thai exports have struggled this year, they have performed broadly in line with those from the rest of the region. Meanwhile, it is looking increasingly unlikely that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a regional free-trade deal which includes the whole of ASEAN, Japan, India and Korea, will be launched this year.