Thai baht hits 13-month high against dollar on economic hopes

TOKYO -- The Thai baht touched the upper 33 range against the dollar during Monday trading in Tokyo, its strongest since July 2023, on hopes of an economic boost from Thailand's digital wallet initiative.

The initiative, advanced by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, was slated to provide 10,000 baht ($294) each in digital money to around 50 million Thais in the October-December quarter. New Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday signaled plans to proceed with the handouts ahead of schedule.