Jump to content


Thailand trapped in a household debt quagmire


webfact

Recommended Posts

Thailand-household-debt_web.png

 

In the third quarter of last year, household debt rose 4.2 percent year on year to Bt14.35 trillion, equivalent to 89.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), according to the National Economic and Social Development Council. (Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya)

 

Most Thai households have been bogged down by high debt even before COVID-19 struck in early 2020.  For many years, the average Thai worker has been struggling to make ends meet, forcing dependence on borrowings. 

 

The latest crises of a global scale, such as the persisting pandemic and its plethora of variants, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have only made them fall into a deeper hole of debt.

 

Political focal point 

 

In the third quarter of last year, household debt rose 4.2 percent year on year to Bt14.35 trillion ($434.8 billion), equivalent to 89.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

 

This dire situation has provided fodder for opposition politicians to attack the coalition government led by Palang Pracharath Party.

 

Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-trapped-in-a-household-debt-quagmire/

 

Logo-top-.png

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-24
 

- Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

As none of this has any impact on hi-sos does it really matter?

Guess they will not be needing the paltry 10k baht loans as they are making 20% more now  then before off of their investments.......

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I cannot recall any regime ever saying.

 

Panic now, we have lost control, our gold, cash is en route to Bavaria , from where a short stash away to a Swiss bunker.Yours will evaporate by stealth , inflation, or theft.

 

You seldom hear economic Ministers advise, Empty your bank accounts. Of course by then it's too late 

You will know the SHTF when the queues at the ATMs longer than lottery tickets and bar fine is buy one get one free...

 

Psst want some Hrivnya ? their may be rubles ahead

Edited by RubbaJohnny
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, CrunchWrapSupreme said:

Due to their meager salaries, most Thais consider any loans or credit they can get as part of their entitled income. I know teachers certainly feel this way. Their salaries are only about 10-12k baht. Yet they always have the latest iPhones, drive Ford Fortuners, and show off their new house constructions on Facebook. All through govt backed loans.

 

They've got it good as the terms of these loans are quite lax, long terms with small monthly payments, few penalities. Other Thais can't help but see this and want similar lifestyles, but can't get those loans, so they turn to those terrible consumer debt shops on every corner, loan sharks, and gambling.

Ford Fortuners ?

  • Haha 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

 

 

 

8 hours ago, 86Tiger said:

 

 

This is not a problem exclusive to Thailand.

 

The financial institutions spend millions in advertising telling you how great your life will be if you only borrow more money.  Consumer debt is a world wide problem.

 

  • Debt as a percentage of GDP is expected to fall from 83.5% of GDP in 2022/23 to 79.8% in 2026/27.
  • You are right they ,the above from the BBC after yesterday's UK Spring Statement,
  • And I would say with inflation as it is  ,the problem will get worse, not better .
  • The sooner they put interest up the better ,with inflation at 7% the money in my bank earning 0.5%,my savings are being eroded away . 
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.