Asia Pacific bank chief defiant

Thailand’s first female central bank chief has hit back over criticism of her moves to restrict foreign investors, which drove the stock market to plunge nearly 15% and sparked anxieties about a replay of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Tarisa Watanagase, who has received public support from military-installed prime minister Surayud Chulanont as well as powerful exporters, said: “One has to do what one has to do. As a governor, you can’t please everyone.”