Thailand's finance minister expects the economy in the first quarter will slow to only 2.6 percent growth, but 5 percent for the whole year is still feasible if rehabilitation after the floods is successful.

The minister, Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala, attributed the slow growth to flood-affected industries unlikely to restart operations.

But loans have been granted to businesses, so reconstruction should start soon. Some THB168 billion (USD5.28b) in loans has been allocated to large businesses for post-flood rehabilitation.