March 24, 2007	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 4, 1428

BANGKOK, March 23: Thailand's government said on Friday it might introduce new measures aimed at offsetting the economic impact of a rising baht, which is at nine-year highs against the dollar.

“Everybody is concerned about the baht and the Bank of Thailand and the finance ministry are closely monitoring the situation,” Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told reporters after meeting top economic ministers.

“Measures could be introduced to relieve the economic impact of the strong currency,” the premier said, without elaborating further.

He met Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras to discuss the strong local unit, which can undercut growth in exports, the key driver of the Thai economy.

The Thai baht was at 35.05 to the dollar in Friday afternoon trade after closing at 34.63-67 on Thursday. Dealers speculated the Bank of Thailand might have intervened in the market on Friday to pressure the unit back to the 35 level.—AFP