Economy Thailand’s Top Banks Lower Rates After Policy Cut

[snoop1130]

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In a decisive response to economic challenges, Thailand's top banks have reduced lending rates following the central bank's recent cut to the benchmark policy rate. The central bank lowered the rate to a two-year low of 1.50%, aiming to support an economy weakened by US tariffs.

 

Bangkok Bank, the largest lender in Thailand by assets, spearheaded this move with a 25-basis-point reduction in lending rates, aligning with the central bank's action. Krungthai Bank, a state-controlled entity, and the Government Savings Bank also followed suit.

 

Payong Srivanich, president of Krungthai Bank and head of the Thai Bankers Association, stated that these reductions are intended to aid customers in adapting to global production shifts, supply chain changes, and increasing competition.

 

The central bank's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously voted to cut the benchmark rate, with the total reductions now amounting to 100 basis points since October. Thursday's actions marked the first in this cycle where Thai lenders fully passed on the rate cut, rather than the average 43% transmission from previous reductions.

 

The Bank of Thailand anticipates maintaining an accommodative monetary policy to counteract slow economic growth expected to last until early 2026. Contributing factors include a 19% US tariff on Thai goods, decreased domestic consumption, and a decline in tourism.

 

Incoming governor Vitai Ratanakorn, set to begin his tenure on October 1, praised Bangkok Bank's initiative to reduce lending costs. In a Facebook comment, he said that cheaper funding would support both businesses and individuals. Vitai, formerly the president of the Government Savings Bank, will chair his first rate meeting on October 8.

 

Thailand’s Pheu Thai-led government has consistently urged banks to lower borrowing costs to assist small enterprises and households grappling with pandemic-related debt. On Wednesday, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira expressed confidence that the rate cut would enhance liquidity and bolster the Thai baht. He noted that lower rates would likely deter banks from depositing excess funds with the central bank.

 

However, these lending rate cuts may pressure profit margins at major Thai banks. With already weak loan growth, net interest margins could experience further strain, as highlighted by Sarah Jane Mahmud, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. She indicated that Bangkok Bank might feel the most significant impact.

 

These strategic rate adjustments by Thailand's financial institutions are key efforts to navigate the current economic landscape, providing much-needed relief to businesses and individuals while adjusting to global economic shifts.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-08-15

 

[StayinThailand2much]

That's fine, as for one of my bank account balances I already get 0%... What are they going to do; charge me negative interest? 😆