Bangkok, Feb. 27 -- The Bank of Thailand (BoT) cut its key interest rate by a quarter point on February 26 amid government calls for further easing to support the economy and weaken the Thai baht to boost exports.

The central bank's Monetary Policy Committee voted 6-1 to reduce the one-day repurchase rate to 2% to address clearer downside risks to the economy.

On the same day, the BoT said in its statement that the Thai economy is expected to expand at a slower pace than previously estimated due to the industrial sector being pressured by structural problems and competition from foreign products, as well as higher risks from trade policies of major economies, even though the economy is supported by domestic demand and tourism.

Thai sha...