BOT hikes policy rate by 25 bps to 1.50, as expected
Says rate hikes to continue in line with growth outlook
Sees higher foreign tourist arrivals as China reopens
Economists see at least one more rate hike

BANGKOK, Jan 25 Reuters Thailand39;s central bank raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points for a fourth consecutive meeting on Wednesday, in an attempt to curb high inflation even as the return of Chinese tourists brightens the country39;s economic growth prospects.

With last year39;s headline inflation at a 24year high, the Bank of Thailand39;s BOT monetary policy committee, at its first review of 2023, voted unanimously to raise the oneday repurchase rate by a quarter point to 1.50, as widely expected.

Thailand39;s economy is expected to continue growing while headline inflation should decline and return to a target range of 1 to 3 late in the year, the central bank said.

Any further rate hikes would be gradual and measured, it said, but added it stood ready to adjust them as needed.

The committee deems that a continuing gradual policy normalisation is an appropriate course for monetary policy consistent with the growth and inflation outlook, the BOT said in a statement.

It added it expected increased risks from demandside inflationary pressures due to the economic recovery.

Assistant Governor Piti Disyatat reiterated in a news conference that interest rates would continue to rise for a while as we39;ve already taken off, with a sustained economic…