The Bank of Thailand kept its benchmark interest rate at 1.00% for a third consecutive meeting, with the Monetary Policy Committee voting unanimously to maintain the one-day repurchase rate. The decision matched the expectations of 30 of 32 economists surveyed by Reuters, while 17 of 21 analysts expect the rate to remain at this level through 2027. Policymakers said the current setting remains appropriate to support an uneven recovery, with the economy projected to expand broadly in line with previous assessments. Growth slowed to 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter from 2.8% in the prior quarter, while credit growth remained concentrated among large companies: total commercial bank lending rose 2.0%, large corporate loans increased 6.6%, SME loans fell 4.6% and consumer lending declined 0.6%. Headline inflation was 1.95% in July, within the central bank's 1% to 3% target range. The baht was little changed at 32.71 per U.S. dollar. The central bank has cut borrowing costs six times by a total of 150 basis points since October 2024, including a February reduction aimed at cushioning the economy from fallout tied to conflict in the Middle East. Analysts and business groups expect rates to remain unchanged as weak purchasing power, high household debt, external uncertainty and a K-shaped recovery continue to weigh on smaller businesses and vulnerable households. The next policy meeting is scheduled for October 28.