Banking & Finance

Global asset managers are trimming exposure to Thai equities and local-currency bonds ahead of Thailand’s February 8 election, citing the need for policy clarity. Bloomberg reports that while Thai shares trade on lower valuations—around 14x earnings—investors are focused on whether the next government can deliver reforms that support long-term growth.

Gold and silver fell again on Feb 2 after last week’s historic sell-off, with CME margin hikes, a firmer dollar and easing geopolitical risk adding pressure

Kasikorn Research predicts the Thai baht will strengthen until mid-2026 before weakening in the second half, driven by gold prices and global economic factors

The central bank is preparing fresh measures to curb “grey” money flows and mule accounts by asking commercial banks to flag and report large cash withdrawals—expected at around 3–5 million baht—along with the stated purpose of the cash.

The baht strengthened through 31.00 to 30.866 per US dollar—its firmest level in 4 years and 10 months—before easing to around 30.90-30.92, supported by a weaker dollar, record-high gold prices and gains in the yen and yuan.

BOT Governor Vitai Ratanakorn says Thailand will use the IMF-World Bank 2026 Annual Meetings to push “safe and inclusive digital finance”, tackle digital fraud and strengthen cyber security, warning global cybercrime causes around US$1.03 trillion in economic losses.

Thailand’s Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand announce readiness for the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings with a focus on digital innovation and climate resilience

Thailand’s monetary authorities are preparing tougher supervision of gold trading after data flagged it as a key source of upward pressure on currency, while related steps are being rolled out to address factors behind recent baht appreciation.

Thai bank chiefs prepare for sub-2% GDP growth in 2026, pivoting to AI-driven efficiency and rigorous risk controls amid global trade tensions

TRIS Rating says Thai corporate defaults and debt deferrals rose to 5.8% in 2025, the highest since 2000, with some sectors seeing more cases than 1997

Thailand’s 11 listed banks reported combined 2025 net profit of THB265.4bn, up 3.6%, led by Kasikornbank, while Q4 profit slipped and credit-loss provisions eased.

Measures will focus on app-based gold trading paid in baht, while physical gold shops and US dollar-based trading will not be targeted.

Sector demonstrates resilience as wealth management and insurance offset pressure on lending margins amid economic uncertainty