Bank of Thailand
- Business News
Inflate debate: BoT warns against raising inflation target
Bank of Thailand (BoT) cautioned against raising the inflation target to match the range established by the monetary authority, citing concerns that such a move may destabilise expectations and accelerate price increases. BoT Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput stated that the current range is appropriate. “The current inflation target range is appropriate for the circumstances and it has worked well in terms…
- Thailand News
Bank of Thailand intensifies crackdown on mule accounts
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) intensified efforts to crack down on mule bank accounts used for fraudulent financial activities by placing a freeze on any suspicious accounts, in a move to disrupt criminal operations. Deputy Governor for Financial Institution Stability at the BoT, Ronnadol Numnonda revealed that last year, a decree on measures to prevent and suppress technological crime was…
- Business News
Bonding issues: Political turmoil shakes Thai investor confidence
Thailand’s escalating political risks are making foreign investors hesitant about the nation’s bond market, despite a cautious return in May after a six-month break. In May, global funds bought US$511 million worth of Thai bonds, a notable difference compared to larger acquisitions in Indonesia, India, and South Korea. Comparative indicators of foreign investment show Thailand lagging behind its regional counterparts.…
- Thailand News
Making cents: Thai PM showers BoT governor with praise
During the Council of Economic Ministers’ meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin showered praise on Central Bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput for his constructive opinions on economic measures. This commendation comes hot on the heels of criticism from the PM’s adviser, Pichai Naripathaphan, who had lambasted the central bank for its inaction in supporting the government’s efforts to spur economic growth.…
- Business News
Finance Minister, Central Bank Chief to discuss interest rates
A crucial meeting is scheduled tomorrow between Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput to address the prevailing contention over interest rates. The government, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive, has been advocating for a rate reduction to stimulate the economy. In contrast, the central bank has maintained its key rate at the highest in ten…
- Business News
Thai industry leader defends Bank of Thailand’s financial autonomy
Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Vice Chairman Montri Mahaplerkpong voiced opposition to any proposals that would impede the Bank of Thailand‘s (BoT) authority over its financial stability management. Montri argued that the government should explore more palatable solutions to its disagreement with the BoT over policy rates, rather than attempting to curtail its power, which he sees as a contentious…
- Business News
Tensions rise over BoT’s independence amidst economic recovery
The Bank of Thailand‘s independence has become a subject of contention, following statements by Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which have been widely reported. This has escalated existing tensions between the central bank and the coalition government. However, many economists and policymakers assert that the central bank’s independence is crucial and suggest alternative solutions to resolve the conflict. Prasarn…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand’s independence crucial for economic stability
Economists emphasise the importance of the Bank of Thailand’s independence in its mission to maintain economic stability. They note that while interest rates have a negligible effect on bolstering economic growth, they could influence the stability of the baht and trigger an increase in household debt. Despite persistent appeals from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for a collaborative effort between monetary…
- Thailand News
Bank of Thailand warns government against digital wallet plan
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, dismissed concerns about a confidential Bank of Thailand (BoT) document warning the government against the proposed digital wallet handout initiative. Phumtham, a prominent figure in the Cabinet, stated he was unaware of the document’s contents and questioned its credibility, insisting that if it were a real warning, it would have been officially…
- Business News
Thailand’s central bank defends policy rates amidst govt pressure
Amidst persistent governmental pressure to decrease borrowing costs and stimulate slow-paced growth, Thailand’s central bank (BoT) defended its current policy interest rate settings today, stating they are resilient and capable of tackling future economic risks. The bank warned that although rate reductions could alleviate debt in the short term, they could also invite long-term hazards. By maintaining a steady rate…
- Business News
BoT may adjust policy due to economic changes and challenges
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) may revise its monetary policy if economic changes in the landscape and structural challenges significantly lower its long-term potential growth, disclosed BoT Deputy Governor Alisara Mahasandana. This follows governmental pressure on the central bank to decrease interest rates. Alisara, speaking from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, highlighted that…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand likely to cut policy rate, predicts CIMB Thai Bank
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is predicted to lower its policy rate tomorrow, providing a short-term stimulus to the nation’s economy, which has been hampered by budget disbursement delays. Amonthep Chawla, lead economist at CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), believes the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will favour a reduction in the policy rate at the upcoming meeting, with a…
- Business News
World Bank predicts 2.8% economic growth for Thailand
The World Bank predicted a modest economic growth of 2.8% for Thailand in 2024, with an acceleration of 3.0% in 2025. This forecast announced today, April 1, is underpinned by the nation’s struggling exports and a postponed budget. This projection for 2024 and 2025 marks a decrease from the previously estimated figures of 3.2% and 3.1%, respectively, set in December.…
- Business News
Thai stock market hits snooze button despite extended hours
Despite the extension of the Stock Exchange of Thailand‘s (SET) trading hours and looming interest rate cuts by the Bank of Thailand, the Thai market failed to rally yesterday. Concerns over a premature rate cut and the aftermath of a recent terrorist attack near Moscow fuelled investor anxiety. The SET yesterday, March 25, increased its trading period from 270 to…
- Business News
Virtual banks to revolutionise Thailand’s financial landscape
The Royal Gazette announced that virtual banks are set to become a reality in Thailand, with the Bank of Thailand (BoT) accepting applications from March 20 to September 19 this year. The aim is to stimulate competition and ensure the stability of the financial system, without limiting the number of licences available. Virtual banks are expected to cater to customers…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand likely to cut policy rate in April, predicts SCB EIC
Siam Commercial Bank’s research centre, SCB EIC, anticipates that the Bank of Thailand is likely to initiate a decrease in the policy rate in April due to structural economic issues. The research centre predicts that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will slash the policy rate by 50 basis points in the first half of this year. The initial rate cut…
- Business News
Thailand gov urges bank to cut interest rate amid economic crisis
The ongoing feud between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput regarding interest rates remains the focus of media attention. Meetings of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have been closely watched as elements of the government and business sector believe the central bank needs to reduce the policy rate. The MPC is set to meet six…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand to accept virtual banking licences applications
This month, the Bank of Thailand is set to welcome applications for virtual banking licences, a move that has piqued the interest of numerous business operators. The finance ministry is currently in possession of a draft outlining the regulations for virtual banking, which is due to be made public in the Royal Gazette. Suwannee Jatsadasak, a 42 year old assistant…
- Business News
Thai export competitiveness declines with focus on rice market
The Bank of Thailand reports a significant decline in Thai export competitiveness, particularly in global rice markets. Over the last 20 years, the market share of rice shipments has dropped by over 50%. This reduction is a result of persistent structural issues in the export and manufacturing sectors, affecting the Thai economy at large. The bank’s recent report reveals that…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand faces political pressure to cut interest rates
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is under increased political tension to reduce interest rates, with the majority of analysts predicting that the monetary authority will withstand requests for unexpected easing to bolster the economy. This escalating discord between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the central bank concerning monetary policy direction is predicted to damage investor confidence, though the likelihood of…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand explores credit guarantee schemes for SMEs
The Bank of Thailand is contemplating the establishment of credit guarantee schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their access to bank loans. Suwannee Jatsadasak, assistant governor for the supervision group, stated that the central bank is analysing various credit guarantee schemes implemented in other countries, including Japan and Taiwan. These nations offer more extensive credit guarantee packages…
- Business News
Chamber of Thailand calls for cut in interest rates to boost recovery
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) expressed its expectations for the Bank of Thailand to consider a reduction in interest rates in its forthcoming meeting. The TCC argues that although the economy is on a recovery trajectory, it remains susceptible to various challenges. Sanan Angubolkul, the chairman of the chamber, acknowledged the decisions made by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)…
- Thailand News
Thai prime minister pressures Bank of Thailand for rate cut
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is under increasing strain today as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin publicly urges a 25 basis point reduction in rates. The demand is part of a continued push from the government for the BoT to decrease interest rates, a tactic it views as crucial for stimulating an economy it believes to be struggling. The government also…
- Business News
Thai government and central bank clash over interest rates
The ongoing discord between government officials and central bankers regarding interest rate adjustments is creating uncertainty for local banks and could potentially trigger further foreign investor withdrawals. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with key advisors, is advocating for a reduction in rates by the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to stimulate an economy the Thai PM describes as being in…
- Business News
Pressure mounts on Bank of Thailand to reduce high interest rates
Thailand Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat expressed concern that the country’s current interest rates are excessively high, putting strain on citizens’ disposable income and stunting the nation’s economic growth. This stance encourages the Bank of Thailand to reconsider its monetary policies. “The Thai people’s spending power is in jeopardy due to these high rates. I hope the Bank of Thailand…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand confident in limited corporate bond rollover risk despite rising interest rates
Despite rising interest rates, the Bank of Thailand has expressed confidence in the limited risk of corporate bond rollover this year, stating that it should not pose a significant threat to systemic risk. The local bond market has remained functional, with private businesses continuing to secure new funds. Sakkapop Panyanukul, the senior director for financial markets at the central bank,…
- Business News
Thailand’s central bank bans prepayment charges in new lending regulation
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has introduced a new responsible lending (RL) regulation that bans charges for debt prepayment and restructuring across all consumer loan products. The regulation, which comes into effect on January 1, impacts various financial institutions such as banks, non-banks, asset management companies, and specialised financial institutions. However, the ban does not apply to fees for mortgage…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand maintains policy rate for economic revival
The existing policy rate of the Bank of Thailand is deemed suitable for the nation’s economic revival, while inflation is anticipated to remain within its target range, according to the central bank. This decision, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the central bank states, is based on a comprehensive analysis of various scenarios. Piti Disyatat, Assistant Governor and MPC Secretary…
- Business News
JSCCIB urges BoT to cut high interest rates amid economic threats
As the economy grapples with internal and external threats, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) called on the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to reduce interest rates. The high interest rates are causing a surge in borrowing costs, amidst a volatile recovery due to the global economic downturn. These views were expressed by Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of…
- Business News
Caution advised over interest rate cuts by Bank of Thailand
Pundits cautioned against hasty moves to cut interest rates and have emphasised the importance of an independent Bank of Thailand as it determines its policy interest rates. They warned that inconsistent fiscal and monetary policies could harm more than they help. Therdsak Thaveeteeratham, Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) executive vice president, insisted that decisions regarding interest rates should be the sole…
