Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase said the global economic downturn had caused the bank to revise its growth estimate to 0.5-2.5 per cent for this year, according to a report on Tuesday by the state Thai News Agency. The bank had previously forecast growth of 3.5-5 per cent for 2009.

Several private sector economists have suggested the country may slip into recession this year.

Tarisa said the estimate would be reviewed at a meeting of the bank's Monetary Policy Committee meeting on Jan 14.

Political unrest, including a weeklong seizure of Bangkok's airports, has battered the country's vital tourism industry and hamstrung the economy. -- AP