Thailand's economy is expected to grow 2.5% this year, but should be expanding at least 3.5% annually, its finance minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Monday.

Pichai was addressing a media briefing after a meeting of economic ministers chaired by the prime minister. He said stimulus was required to jumpstart the economy and help was needed to boost credit access for small businesses.

(Reporting by Orathai Sriring and Kitiphong Thaichareon; Editing by Martin Petty)