Thailand’s household debt forecast to jump to 95% of GDP this year

13 Sept 10:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's household debt is projected to surge to 95% of GDP this year, marking a significant increase from 89.3% in Q3 last year and the highest in 14 years.
A recent survey revealed that 99% of low-income workers are indebted, primarily due to credit card and rental obligations, with 31.5% defaulting on repayments.
Rising oil and consumer product prices are identified as key factors driving this increase in household debt.
Experts recommend adjusting the minimum wage to align with inflation and extending the government's co-payment scheme to boost consumer purchasing power and inject funds into the economy.

TPSO raises 2026 inflation forecast to 1.8–2.2% amid surge in energy prices

Today 11:06 Key points summarised by AI

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has increased its annual inflation forecast to 1.8–2.2% from 1.5–2.5%, primarily due to escalating energy prices from the Middle East conflict and higher food production costs.
September's Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.82% year-on-year, marking the sixth consecutive month of increases, largely driven by persistent high fuel prices and rising costs for finished food products.
Inflation is anticipated to continue its upward trajectory in October, mainly propelled by surging fuel prices, with regional variations showing the southern region experiencing the highest rate at 3.32%.