interest rate

  • Business NewsThai interest rate cuts to ease loan load amid economic slowdown

    Thai interest rate cuts to ease loan load amid economic slowdown

    In a move that promises relief for borrowers across Thailand, six leading commercial banks and a clutch of state-owned counterparts have slashed lending rates following the Bank of Thailand’s recent policy rate cut. This adjustment is designed to alleviate the financial strain as the economy slows down. Domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) are joining forces to trim loan interest rates…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket loan sharks busted for 50% interest rate scam

    Phuket loan sharks busted for 50% interest rate scam

    Two men running an illegal loan shark operation in Phuket have been arrested after allegedly extorting desperate borrowers with sky-high interest rates. Their arrests come as part of a nationwide crackdown on unlawful debt practices and predatory lending. Phuket Immigration officers, working alongside the Immigration Bureau’s Crime Suppression Division 8 and Immigration Bureau 6, swooped in last Thursday, February 27,…

  • Thailand NewsThai-ing up rates: BoT bosses feel heat over 2% cap warning

    Thai-ing up rates: BoT bosses feel heat over 2% cap warning

    Bank of Thailand (BoT) bosses are under fire after warnings from the top brass at the National Economic and Social Development Council that their key policy rate should not breach the 2% mark. BoT chief advisor Supavud Saichuea insisted keeping the lid on interest rates is crucial, given the country’s inflation target and sluggish GDP growth. Speaking at a high-profile…

  • Thailand NewsBangkok pawnshops cut interest rates by 20% for new year

    Bangkok pawnshops cut interest rates by 20% for new year

    Bangkok pawnshops have announced a special initiative to reduce interest rates by 20% for all loans, offering this as a new year gift to alleviate financial burdens for residents. The programme aims to spread happiness and ease expenses for citizens during the festive season. Chanathip L. Virapark, Director of the Pawnshops Office, revealed the initiative following a policy set by…

  • Business NewsFed on the brink: Rate cut looms as US plays interest-ing game

    Fed on the brink: Rate cut looms as US plays interest-ing game

    Anticipation is reaching fever pitch as the US Federal Reserve gears up for a crucial meeting, with punters betting on a 25 basis point interest rate cut. Slated for December 18, this decision could have ripple effects all the way to Thailand, where the Bank of Thailand might follow suit in the coming months. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)…

  • Business NewsThailand cuts interest rate to boost economic recovery

    Thailand cuts interest rate to boost economic recovery

    Thailand’s central bank has strategically positioned its policy interest rate to counter economic challenges as financial conditions tighten and recovery remains uneven. Minutes from the October 16 meeting of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) revealed that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made an unexpected decision to lower the one-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, marking the first…

  • Business NewsBanking stocks set to cash in as BoT preps for another cut

    Banking stocks set to cash in as BoT preps for another cut

    Stock market sleuths are buzzing as banking stocks look set to surge with global interest rates on the slide. All eyes are on the Bank of Thailand (BoT), expected to slash its policy rate again this December. Last week’s unexpected chop of 25 basis points to 2.25% marked the first cut in more than four years, echoing similar moves by…

  • Thailand NewsInterest peaked: Thailand banks on MPK rate cut to boost economy

    Interest peaked: Thailand banks on MPK rate cut to boost economy

    The Government of Thailand believes the recent reduction in the policy interest rate by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will positively impact the economy. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavichir stated that the decrease was anticipated and would help alleviate financial burdens. Yesterday, October 16, at 9.30am, Pichai addressed the media at the Government House regarding the MPC’s…

  • Business NewsThailand eyes higher inflation target to push for rate cut

    Thailand eyes higher inflation target to push for rate cut

    Sources familiar with the discussions have revealed that Thailand’s Finance Ministry plans to propose an increased inflation target of 1.5% to 3.5% for the coming year. This move is likely to exert additional pressure on the central bank to lower its key interest rate. Talks between the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to finalise this new price…

  • Business NewsFinance minister prioritises funding access over rate cuts

    Finance minister prioritises funding access over rate cuts

    Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira affirmed the significance of access to funding sources over lowering interest rates. Following discussions with Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Pichai underscored that interest rate policy remains under the purview of the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which is set to convene on October 16. Describing the talks as comprehensive, Pichai highlighted various factors…

  • Business NewsThai business group demand rate cut to keep exports afloat

    Thai business group demand rate cut to keep exports afloat

    Thailand’s leading business group called for an urgent reduction in interest rates, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of a rapidly appreciated baht on exports. The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) chairman, Sanan Angubolkul, highlighted the urgency for the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to adjust rates, aligning with the government’s repeated calls for monetary easing. Markets…

  • Business NewsCommerce minister plea: Time to cut the baht and boost the rates

    Commerce minister plea: Time to cut the baht and boost the rates

    Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan called on the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to slash interest rates and stabilise the baht in a bid to boost exports and prop up GDP. In a policy statement issued today, Pichai slammed the current strength of the baht, which he claims is hitting exports hard. With export growth expected to be sluggish this year, he’s…

  • Business NewsThai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy

    Thai baht rally faces threats amid political drama and bank policy

    Thailand’s recent baht rally faces a rocky road as the country dives into political chaos just before the central bank’s policy meeting this week. Since July, the baht has been a star performer, climbing up the ranks as tourism bounced back from a near two-year low against the US dollar in May. But this impressive upswing could be at risk…

  • Business NewsBank of Thailand to hold rate at 2.5% amid rising inflation

    Bank of Thailand to hold rate at 2.5% amid rising inflation

    The Bank of Thailand is expected to maintain the policy rate at 2.5% during its upcoming meeting, influenced by the gradual rise in inflation back to the target range. Economists are advocating for additional government stimulus measures, alongside the digital wallet scheme, to boost the sluggish economy. Headline inflation increased to 0.8% last month, surpassing the consensus forecast of 0.7%…

  • Thailand NewsInterest-ing development: Ministry slashes housing loan rates

    Interest-ing development: Ministry slashes housing loan rates

    The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security announced a significant reduction in housing loan interest rates by 0.5% for one year, aiming to support citizens during challenging economic times. Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Varawut Silpa-archa revealed this decision at a press conference at Government House at 10am today, May 28. The Community Organisations Development Institute (CODI)…

  • Business NewsFinance Minister, Central Bank Chief to discuss interest rates

    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 NewsThailand’s central bank defends policy rates amidst govt pressure

    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 NewsBoT may adjust policy due to economic changes and challenges

    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…

  • Thailand NewsPM Srettha discusses interest rate cuts with bank chiefs

    PM Srettha discusses interest rate cuts with bank chiefs

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin convened a meeting with top executives from four major banks to discuss potential interest rate reductions aimed at aiding vulnerable groups within the country. The discussions took place at the Government House at 9am today just before the weekly Cabinet meeting. PM Srettha, who also serves as Finance Minister, sought cooperation from the leaders of both…

  • Business NewsThai economy falters as high interest rates impact major sectors

    Thai economy falters as high interest rates impact major sectors

    The Thai economy has taken a hit, with government revenue collections falling short of the target. Lavaron Sangsnit, the permanent finance secretary, attributed the shortfall to high interest rates, which have significantly reduced the purchasing power of consumers, impacting major sectors such as automobiles and real estate. Consumers, particularly those interested in purchasing cars or homes, have found their ability…

  • Thailand NewsChinese man discovers forgotten bank deposit of 1.5 million baht

    Chinese man discovers forgotten bank deposit of 1.5 million baht

    A 70 year old Chinese man recently discovered a long-forgotten bank deposit of 1.5 million baht, originally made 20 years ago, that had accumulated a significant amount of interest. Managing personal finances varies from person to person but it’s critical to remember where your savings are deposited. A 70 year old man from China received a phone call from his…

  • Business NewsThailand gov urges bank to cut interest rate amid economic crisis

    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 NewsBank of Thailand faces political pressure to cut interest rates

    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 NewsPM Srettha urges bank of Thailand to consider interest rate cut

    PM Srettha urges bank of Thailand to consider interest rate cut

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his concerns to the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), suggesting an urgent meeting to discuss a potential cut in interest rates, rather than waiting until the scheduled April meeting. Following a recent Cabinet meeting, PM Srettha clarified that he hadn’t imposed any pressure on the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social…

  • Business NewsTBA urges integration of informal economy for digital growth

    TBA urges integration of informal economy for digital growth

    The Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) has advocated for integrating the informal economy into the national economic framework to enhance transparency and bolster the country’s digital economy. The recovery index of Thailand’s GDP post-pandemic in 2023 was marked at 110, underperforming the worldwide average of 80, according to the TBA. A higher score on this index indicates a lengthier recovery period.…

  • Business NewsBaht falls to three-month low as US inflation delays rate cut

    Baht falls to three-month low as US inflation delays rate cut

    The Thai currency hit a three-month low against the US dollar yesterday, February 14, slipping below 36 to the dollar. This was attributed to higher-than-anticipated US inflation, which led the market to predict a delay in the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate cut, initially expected in May. Quoting Kasikorn Research Centre, the baht was valued at a low of 36.13 against…

  • Business NewsChamber of Thailand calls for cut in interest rates to boost recovery

    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 NewsThai prime minister pressures Bank of Thailand for rate cut

    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 NewsThai government seeks interest rate cut as household debt fuels recession

    Thai government seeks interest rate cut as household debt fuels recession

    Thailand’s economy is currently grappling with a recession triggered by soaring household debt, as reported by the Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, today. This intensified the call for the central bank to reduce interest rates. Julapun also expressed the government’s commitment to the 500 billion baht distribution plan, which aims to allocate 10,000 baht per person to 50 million Thai…

  • Thailand NewsThailand eyes foreign bonds to set private sector rates

    Thailand eyes foreign bonds to set private sector rates

    Thailand’s Ministry of Finance is poised to issue foreign currency bonds for the first time in 20 years, a move that is not aimed at fundraising but at establishing a benchmark interest rate for the private sector. The announcement was made by Julapun Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance, who stated that the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) has been tasked…