Q2 GDP 2.5 yy vs 3.1 in Reuters poll
Q2 GDP 0.7 qq sa vs 0.9 in poll
Revises 2022 GDP growth outlook to 2.73.2 from 2.53.5
Economists expect further interest rate hikes later this year

BANGKOK, Aug 15 Reuters Thailand39;s economy expanded at the fastest pace in a year in the second quarter as eased COVID19 restrictions boosted activity and tourism, reinforcing views that more rate hikes will be needed to curb inflationary pressures.

Southeast Asia39;s secondlargest economy is making a steady recovery after the lifting of pandemic curbs but still faces headwinds ranging from inflation at 14year highs to China39;s slowdown and weaker global demand.

The government slightly revised its 2022 economic growth forecast to 2.7 to 3.2 from an earlier 2.5 to 3.5 range. Last year39;s 1.5 growth was among the slowest in Southeast Asia.

The Thai economy grew an annual 2.5 in the June quarter, the fastest since the second quarter of 2021, data from the National Economic and Social Development Council NESDC showed on Monday.

That compared with a forecast 3.1 rise in a Reuters poll and a revised 2.3 growth in the March quarter. 

The pace might not be that high possibly because of decreased investment and last year39;s high base of 7.7 annual growth, NESDC head Danucha Pichayanan told a news conference.

The economy expanded 2.4 in the first half, and the trend will continue later this year, he said.

Thailand39;s economy kept rebounding in the second quarter of the year on the…