Thailand's central bank unexpectedly cut its key interest rate on Wednesday, saying the move brought rates a "neutral" level consistent with the economy's growth potential and downplaying the impact of government calls for policy easing on its decision.

Thailand’s Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira made a fresh appeal for a rate cut on Tuesday, a day before a central bank monetary policy meeting in which it’s forecast to hold borrowing costs at a decade high.

Thailand's central bank unexpectedly cut its key interest rate at a policy review on Wednesday, a move long called for by the government as needed to revive a sluggish economy with inflation below target.