BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas opened the Year-End Money Expo 2025 in Bangkok on November 20, revealing the government’s plan to address household debt, stabilize personal finances, and expand access to homeownership. Speaking at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, he said global volatility, from geopolitical tensions to swings in oil and gold prices, highlights the need for a more resilient economy at both the individual and national levels.
Ekniti pointed to several Quick Big Win programs aimed at delivering fast, broad-based support, including the Half-Half Plus co-payment scheme, accelerated budget disbursements, and training for small vendors in finance, digital tools, and AI. According to the government, vendor sales have risen severalfold under the program, while delivery riders have seen income increase by more than 15 percent.
A major part of the economic plan is debt restructuring for borrowers with obligations of less than 100,000 baht. The program—run jointly with the Bank of Thailand, the Thai Bankers’ Association, the National Credit Bureau, and asset-management firms—seeks to help 3.4 million people regain financial stability and later requalify for productive credit tied to work, investment, or housing. At the same time, officials are studying a long-term savings model in which a portion of state lottery management fees would be invested on behalf of non-winning ticket holders.
Support for SMEs is also being expanded. A new package will increase access to capital, offer loan guarantees, and provide tax incentives, with the Board of Investment serving as the central platform for helping small firms transition toward automation and AI. The government reaffirmed its fiscal direction as well, citing repayment of outstanding BAAC obligations and a plan to reduce the fiscal deficit to below 3 percent of GDP by 2029, a trajectory that helped secure Thailand’s stable outlook with S&P.
Banks at the expo announced a range of new financial products. Government Housing Bank launched a 72-year home loan with an introductory rate of 0.72 percent, a 40-year maximum term, and a portfolio of discounted second-hand homes. Government Savings Bank introduced short-term deposit programs and zero-interest refinancing for home loans. The Ministry of Industry also rolled out “Fight Forward: Pushing SMEs Toward Capital Access,” offering fixed-rate financing, entrepreneur training, and targeted debt-relief support for small businesses. (NNT)
