Thailand Approves $12.2 Billion Borrowing to Counter Middle East Crisis Impact
Thailand has approved an emergency borrowing plan of US$12.2 billion to alleviate the economic impact of the Middle East crisis. The funds will be used to stimulate domestic consumption, provide living subsidies for low-income individuals, and support alternative energy initiatives.
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- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 16:59
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Bangkok 5th, comprehensive foreign report) To alleviate the economic impact caused by the Middle East war, Thailand today approved an emergency borrowing plan totaling US$12.2 billion. This is one of Thailand's largest borrowings in decades.
According to AFP, the cabinet stated that the funds will be used to stimulate domestic consumption and ease economic difficulties amidst rising prices and slowing growth. The Ministry of Finance last week revised its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for this year downwards to 1.6%.
The loan, equivalent to 400 billion Thai Baht, will be disbursed between June and September. It includes the "Thai Help Thai" program, which provides living subsidies to over 20 million low-income individuals to alleviate their cost of living burden.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated at a press conference after the cabinet meeting that these funds will also be used to support alternative energy.
Since the US and Israel went to war with Iran at the end of February, global energy prices have fluctuated significantly, leading to a comprehensive increase in the prices of oil, natural gas, freight, and daily necessities.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described this loan as a "tool to move the country forward and avoid economic weakness." He told reporters: "We will get through this crisis together."
Although the scale of this borrowing is one of the highest in recent years, it is still lower than the levels during the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the COVID-19 (2019 coronavirus disease) pandemic. (Compiler: Ho Hung-ju) 1150505
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Bangkok 5th, comprehensive foreign report) To alleviate the economic impact caused by the Middle East war, Thailand today approved an emergency borrowing plan totaling US$12.2 billion. This is one of Thailand's largest borrowings in decades.
According to AFP, the cabinet stated that the funds will be used to stimulate domestic consumption and ease economic difficulties amidst rising prices and slowing growth. The Ministry of Finance last week revised its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for this year downwards to 1.6%.
The loan, equivalent to 400 billion Thai Baht, will be disbursed between June and September. It includes the "Thai Help Thai" program, which provides living subsidies to over 20 million low-income individuals to alleviate their cost of living burden.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated at a press conference after the cabinet meeting that these funds will also be used to support alternative energy.
Since the US and Israel went to war with Iran at the end of February, global energy prices have fluctuated significantly, leading to a comprehensive increase in the prices of oil, natural gas, freight, and daily necessities.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described this loan as a "tool to move the country forward and avoid economic weakness." He told reporters: "We will get through this crisis together."
Although the scale of this borrowing is one of the highest in recent years, it is still lower than the levels during the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the COVID-19 (2019 coronavirus disease) pandemic. (Compiler: Ho Hung-ju) 1150505
Stand with the facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.