Weak baht helps exports, tourism, PM says
PM says central bank monitoring baht
PM says market liquidity ample

BANGKOK, Sept 21 Reuters Thailand39;s central bank is monitoring the weak baht , which is not entirely bad for the economy and could help the key export and tourism sectors, the prime minister said in remarks aired on Thursday, as the baht hit multimonth lows.

Srettha Thavisin, speaking during a visit to the United States, said the government was not interfering in the central bank39;s duty.

The Thai currency39;s depreciation was driven by capital outflows due to interest rate differentials, Srettha told reporters.

The U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady and its hawkish stance on monetary policy strengthened the dollar.

The baht traded at 36.16 per dollar at 0615 GMT, after hitting a more than 10month low of 36.32 on Wednesday. The unit has weakened by 4.4 against the greenback so far this year.

A weak baht is not always bad. It helps exports … and more people will want to travel and spend money. We can benefit, Srettha said.

Southeast Asia39;s secondlargest economy has seen weaker than expected exports, which might fall 1 to 2 this year, with economic growth expected at 2.8, less than earlier projected.

The new government, which took office last month, is planning higher spending to help finance fresh policies to stimulate the economy weighed down by soft demand for exports and low investor confidence.

Asked whether a large public…