Thailand’s economy experienced slower growth than anticipated in the fourth quarter, with a 1.7% increase and a 0.6% QoQ contraction. PM Thavisin has called for the central bank to cut rates to stimulate consumption amid a decade of average growth below 2%. The calls for rate cuts come as Thailand faces disinflation and continued factory output shrinkage, with significant foreign investor withdrawal impacting the Thai currency and asset markets. The baht has gone from being the best performer IN ASIA # 2023 to the second-worst this year.