Thai Debt Burden Often Begins by 30 and Follows Borrowers Into Retirement

Thailand's household debt is projected to reach roughly 16.5 to 16.6 trillion baht by the end of 2026 as long-term financial pressure continues to affect families. Data cited by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce indicates around half of Thais begin carrying debt by age 30, with average outstanding debt still close to 300,000 baht at age 70. Households earning below 30,000 baht per month have faced particularly severe pressure as living expenses outpace income and force some families to borrow for everyday costs. Borrowing through savings cooperatives, credit cards and non-bank lenders has become increasingly important for household cash flow, while reliance on informal lenders has declined. Experts say stronger economic growth, rising incomes and continued debt restructuring could improve conditions, with agriculture, tourism, exports, investment and oil prices likely to influence the months ahead.

Couple next door to us were in a bad way.......wanted us to buy their property for a million baht.

At one point they were borrowing money in the morning and paying it back that night!!!! Wife said some people are paying as much as 30% per day.

They sold for B400,000 in short measure and moved in with reletives.