Thailand’s non-performing loans (NPLs) have surged to their highest level in three years, as both businesses and households struggle with debt repayment. The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is collaborating with the finance ministry to finalize relief measures aimed at easing the burden on vulnerable groups.
Key Highlights
Rising Bad Loans:
- 2.97% of commercial loans were non-performing as of September, up from 2.84% in the previous quarter, marking the highest ratio since Q3 2021.
Debt-Relief Measures in Progress:
- Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is spearheading efforts to address 1.3 trillion baht (US$37 billion) in household and personal loans, proposing:
- Longer repayment periods.
- Interest suspensions.
Fee Reductions for Banks:
- Banks will see a 50% cut in bailout fund fees, according to BoT assistant governor Suwannee Jatsadasak.
- Full details of the debt-relief measures are expected by the end of the year.
Economic Challenges
Credit Quality Decline:
- Loans fell 2% year-on-year, the first quarterly drop since 2010, with sectors facing structural issues and declining competitiveness.
- Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and vulnerable households are the hardest hit.
Economic Lag:
- Thailand’s Q3 GDP growth of 3% lags behind regional peers like Indonesia (4.95%) and Malaysia (5.3%).
- High household debt levels are stifling spending, investment, and hiring.
Monetary Policy Adjustments
Last month, the BoT unexpectedly cut its benchmark interest rate for the first time in over four years, citing:
- Deteriorating credit quality.
- Pressure from high debt levels among SMEs and households.
Outlook and Implications
While relief measures could ease the immediate strain, Thailand faces broader economic challenges, including:
- Structural issues in key sectors.
- The need to improve competitiveness and boost household income.
Debt restructuring and proactive policies will be critical to restoring economic confidence and preventing further credit deterioration. The finalization of debt-relief plans by year-end will be a key milestone for the nation’s recovery efforts.
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