Thai cabinet approves $37.5 billion borrowing for 2027 fiscal year

Thailand's cabinet has authorized 1.26 trillion baht, or approximately $37.5 billion, in fresh borrowing for the upcoming 2027 fiscal year, which commences in October, according to the finance ministry's announcement on Tuesday. The ministry further disclosed that the nation's public debt ratio is anticipated to reach 69.7% of GDP by the end of the fiscal year, concluding September 2027, nearing the statutory limit of 70%.

The new borrowing strategy encompasses 200 billion baht earmarked for energy transition initiatives under a larger borrowing decree, as revealed by the ministry. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas recently indicated to Reuters that he foresees the economy expanding by 2.5% in 2027, propelled by investment-oriented measures.

The government is slated to release up to 1.28 trillion baht in government bonds throughout the fiscal year, as confirmed by Jindarat Viriyataveekul, the head of the Public Debt Management Office, who spoke to reporters. This projection is consistent with a prior report from Reuters.

To navigate elevated long-term bond yields, the government intends to augment short-term borrowing and leverage instruments like treasury bills and term loans. However, once long-term bond yields decline, the government intends to refinance shorter-term borrowing into longer-term debt, according to Jindarat. Presently, the government's average borrowing cost is approximately 2.6%, and it is projected to remain stable throughout the forthcoming fiscal year, as stated by Jindarat.