BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's central bank chief said on Tuesday that this year's economic growth and inflation were expected to be lower than previously forecast.

Last month, Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput had said 2023 growth could come below the central bank's 3.6% forecast and a revised figure would be published in September. Last year's growth was 2.6%.

Inflation would gradually return to within target range, he said. A Reuters poll expects a rise of 0.61% for August. Data is due out later on Tuesday.

The current policy interest rate was close to a neutral level, Sethaput said. On Aug. 2, the central bank raised its key interest rate for a seventh straight meeting to 2.25%. It will next review monetary policy on Sept. 27.

"A neutral rate means it helps inflation stay in a sustainable range, and GDP grow at its potential of 3-4% without creating financial imbalances," he said.

The BOT has hiked the key rate by 175 basis points since August last year to curb price pressures.

Overall, the Southeast Asian country's economic recovery remains intact, Sethaput said, adding that 29 million foreign arrivals are still expected throughout the year.

Tourism remains a key driver, accounting for about 12% of GDP before the pandemic.

Speaking virtually at a Fitch economic seminar, he said second-quarter GDP was disappointing.

Thailand's economy grew 1.8% in the April-June period on the year and 0.2% on the quarter, sharply slowing from the previous quarter's 2.6% and 1.7%, respectively, as exports slumped.

(Reporting by Orathai Sriring and Satawasin Staporncharnchai; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Kim Coghill)