Ekniti clings to AI to buoy the Thai economy and even promises a second life for the ‘sick man of Asia’

October 14, 2026 at 11:48 am

in Economy , Living , Media , Politics , Thailand

Thailand’s Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas has championed an AI-driven economic revival at the IMF–World Bank meetings as the existing economy buckles under debt. Public borrowing has hit ฿13.19 trillion, nearing the 70% GDP ceiling, while household debt stands at 85.2%. Meanwhile, a ฿898.8 billion fiscal deficit exposes mounting pressure on government finances. Fitch Ratings warns of persistent bad loans as small businesses struggle for credit, despite banks earning ฿247 billion. Adding to the turmoil, Ekniti faces fierce industry opposition to a proposed ฿1,000 departure tax. Thirty-five years after Thailand hosted the meetings during an economic boom, former Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij warns the kingdom risks becoming the “sick man of Asia”. Ekniti promises a second economic take-off while mounting debts and shrinking credit cripple the existing economy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas touts AI as Thai debt hits ฿13.19 trillion. Fitch warns of bad loans as a proposed ฿1,000 departure tax sparks fury. ( Source: Thai Rath )

Thailand’s Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas is promoting an AI-driven economic revival as the country’s existing economy struggles under mounting debt. Speaking at this week’s IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, he outlined plans for a second economic take-off.

However, public debt is approaching Thailand’s statutory ceiling, while household borrowing remains above 85% of GDP. The government is also running enormous budget deficits as smaller businesses struggle to obtain bank credit.

Meanwhile, Ekniti’s ministry faces fierce tourism industry opposition to a proposed ฿1,000 departure tax. Adding to the pressure, Fitch Ratings has warned that bad loans will remain stubbornly high. The contrast is stark: Thailand is planning a technological transformation while its existing financial problems continue to deepen.

Ekniti promotes AI-led growth as public debt nears its ceiling and household borrowing remains severe

On Monday, October 12, Ekniti addressed the World Bank’s flagship forum, “Small AI: More and Better Jobs”, in Bangkok. He promoted artificial intelligence as a means of raising productivity, creating employment and strengthening Thailand’s competitiveness.

His proposals centred on technology investment, workforce development and expanding opportunities for smaller businesses. However, the country’s financial position presented a markedly different picture.

Thailand’s public debt reached ฿13.19 trillion at the end of August 2026, equivalent to 67.94% of GDP. That left just 2.06 percentage points beneath the statutory debt ceiling of 70%. Furthermore, the government’s fiscal 2025 accounts recorded a deficit of ฿898.8 billion.

Another deficit of ฿788 billion is planned under the ฿3.788 trillion budget for fiscal 2027. Consequently, the Finance Ministry faces substantial borrowing requirements while its remaining fiscal room continues to narrow.

The deterioration extends beyond the government’s accounts. At the end of June, Thai households owed approximately ฿16.43 trillion, equivalent to 85.2% of GDP.

Meanwhile, smaller businesses faced increasingly restrictive lending conditions as banks sought to protect their balance sheets. Bad debts remained elevated, while consumer spending continued to suffer under the weight of existing borrowing. These conditions have accompanied Thailand’s prolonged period of weak economic growth.

World Bank warns of rising debt servicing costs as Thailand faces shrinking room for fiscal spending

According to the World Bank, public debt has increased by more than 20 percentage points of GDP since the pandemic. Moreover, government debt servicing relative to revenue has reached its highest level since 2006.

Persistent deficits require continued borrowing, while weak economic expansion constrains revenue growth. The result is a tightening fiscal position, with fewer resources available for additional expenditure.

Nevertheless, the World Bank continues to regard Thailand’s public debt as sustainable. Most borrowing remains domestically financed, while foreign-currency exposure is comparatively limited.

The country’s financial position therefore differs substantially from the circumstances surrounding the 1997 crisis. Even so, the government faces diminishing borrowing capacity beneath its existing statutory ceiling. Its immediate challenge involves financing continued deficits without breaching that limit.

Finance Ministry faces travel industry backlash over proposed ฿1,000 tax on international departures

Against this background, the Finance Ministry has become embroiled in a fierce dispute with Thailand’s travel industry. The controversy centres on a proposed ฿1,000 outbound travel tax covering Thai and foreign passengers departing by air.

The Revenue Department opened public consultations on September 30, with submissions accepted until October 29. Ekniti has defended the proposal partly as an incentive for Thai residents to holiday domestically. His argument centres on retaining more consumer spending within Thailand rather than allowing it to flow overseas.

However, the Association of Thai Travel Agents and the Thai Hotels Association have raised serious objections. Both organisations have warned about the potential consequences for airlines, passengers and tourism businesses. Their concerns extend beyond the immediate financial burden on departing travellers. Industry representatives argue that higher departure costs could discourage international travel and reduce passenger demand.

In turn, lower passenger volumes could weaken airline route profitability and affect flight frequencies. Reduced services could also limit seat availability, pushing fares higher for international passengers.

Significantly, industry representatives warn that inbound tourism could suffer alongside outbound travel. Thailand depends heavily on international visitors for foreign earnings, employment and business activity. The proposed tax has therefore triggered opposition extending across several parts of the tourism industry.

Combined passenger charges could reach ฿2,570 as tourism groups challenge new departure tax plans

The controversy becomes sharper when existing and proposed passenger charges are considered together. Currently, international departures from Airports of Thailand facilities carry a passenger service charge of ฿1,120. Separately, the government is considering a ฿450 entry fee for foreign tourists.

Adding the proposed ฿1,000 outbound tax produces a potential combined charge of ฿2,570 for an eligible foreign visitor. However, only the airport passenger service charge is currently collected. Both additional measures remain proposals.

Nevertheless, the potential combined cost has become central to industry objections. On October 13, international financial reporting connected the departure tax proposal with Thailand’s prolonged fiscal deficits.

The Finance Ministry is seeking additional revenue while existing economic activity remains weak. At the same time, tourism businesses warn that further charges could damage passenger demand and airline services. The dispute has placed the government’s revenue requirements against concerns about one of Thailand’s principal foreign-earning industries.

Ekniti unveils three AI programmes to boost productivity and improve credit access for small firms

While the tax controversy intensified, Ekniti was presenting a markedly different economic agenda to international financial leaders. His proposals centred on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, foreign investment and workforce development. Specifically, he outlined three programmes described as “AI in All”, “All in AI” and “AI for All”. Each addresses a different part of Thailand’s proposed technological transformation.

The first programme, AI in All, aims to raise productivity among existing businesses. Ekniti highlighted an AI assistant called Nok Krasip, or Whispering Bird, operating through the Thung Ngern application.

The technology helps small merchants monitor stock, calculate profits and manage business information. Additionally, it uses financial data to improve their prospects of obtaining formal credit. Nearly one million small merchants have reportedly used the system.

The initiative addresses an immediate weakness in Thailand’s economy: restricted access to financing among smaller enterprises. Many businesses face difficulties obtaining conventional bank loans despite continuing operational requirements.

Ekniti presented AI-assisted financial information as a means of improving their access to lending. However, the broader credit problems facing smaller businesses remain substantial. Commercial banks have become increasingly cautious about financing borrowers with weaker financial positions.

Data centre investment and worker training anchor Ekniti’s plans for new jobs and safer AI adoption

His second programme, All in AI, seeks to convert technology investment into employment opportunities. Ekniti identified data centres and cloud infrastructure as potential sources of new economic activity.

Importantly, he stressed that these investments must create quality jobs for Thai workers. The government’s SkillBridge initiative aims to connect workforce training with employers’ requirements. In addition, the programme seeks to reduce AI access costs for SMEs and startups.

The third programme, AI for All, concentrates on workers and businesses struggling to adapt to technological change. Ekniti also addressed the risks accompanying wider AI adoption, particularly digital crime and fraud.

He called for cooperation between the World Bank, IMF, multilateral development banks and national governments. Such cooperation would support technological development while strengthening safeguards against emerging financial and digital threats. His remarks did not, however, establish a specific new Thai AI regulatory framework.

Ekniti revisits Thailand’s 1991 economic boom and calls for a second take-off driven by private firms

The Finance Minister returned to Thailand’s economic prospects on Tuesday, October 13, during another major Bangkok seminar. Entitled “Bangkok 1991–2026: Thailand’s Path to Resilient and Inclusive Growth”, the discussion examined 35 years of economic development.

Bangkok last hosted the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in 1991, during a period of rapid expansion. Foreign investment, industrial development and international trade were then transforming Thailand’s economy.

Ekniti acknowledged that opening Thailand to foreign investment and global production networks had driven substantial growth. However, he also recognised weaknesses in that expansion, which contributed to the 1997 financial crisis.

He argued that Thailand’s next economic take-off must rest on stronger foundations. His proposed second expansion would concentrate on productivity, digital technology and participation in global supply chains. Regulatory reform would also play a central role.

Notably, Ekniti said Thailand was prepared to reduce business regulations to encourage private investment. Using a football comparison, he described the private sector as the forward responsible for scoring goals.

The government would operate as a midfielder, supporting businesses and creating opportunities. Economic stability would serve as the defender, providing the foundations for sustained expansion. His comparison placed private enterprise at the centre of Thailand’s proposed economic revival.

SME lending contracts as Fitch warns of persistent bad loans and widening gaps in access to credit

Yet the existing economy faces considerably different conditions from those prevailing during the early 1990s. Household debt remains exceptionally high, while smaller businesses are experiencing tighter credit conditions.

Bank lending to SMEs contracted by 4.6% during the second quarter of 2026. By contrast, lending to large corporations increased by 6.6% over the same period. The figures expose a sharp division between financing conditions for large companies and smaller enterprises.

Furthermore, Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council reported non-performing SME loans reaching 9.12% at the end of 2025. These difficulties have attracted renewed scrutiny from international credit rating agencies.

On September 30, Fitch Ratings warned that bad debts would remain elevated across Thailand’s banking sector. The assessment added to concerns about weak credit growth and persistent financial pressure among smaller borrowers.

Parson Singha, head of Thailand Financial Institutions at Fitch Ratings Thailand, outlined the agency’s findings. Fitch expects non-performing loans to remain between 3% and 4% over the next one to two years. That level is considerably higher than those recorded among several regional peers. In particular, the agency identified smaller businesses as a vulnerable category of borrowers.

Thai banks earn ฿247 billion despite weak lending and mounting financial pressure on smaller firms

Approximately 9% of SME loans were non-performing in June 2026. Comparatively, the corresponding figure was around 3% for retail borrowers and just 1% for corporations. These differences reveal the concentration of financial difficulties among smaller enterprises.

Meanwhile, commercial banks have tightened lending standards for borrowers with weaker financial positions. The result has been increasingly restricted access to credit across vulnerable sections of the economy.

The slowdown is not confined to recent months. Annual bank lending growth averaged only 1% between 2020 and 2025. During 2010–2015, by comparison, lending expanded by approximately 10% annually.

Credit growth has therefore fallen sharply from the rates recorded during the previous decade. This has occurred despite Thailand’s commercial banks remaining profitable and maintaining substantial capital reserves.

Indeed, the banking sector generated approximately ฿247 billion in profits during 2025. Banks also retained substantial capital buffers, providing protection against potential financial losses. Fitch has consequently distinguished between deteriorating lending conditions and the financial strength of individual institutions.

The agency does not expect another banking collapse comparable to the 1997 crisis. Instead, it anticipates prolonged weak credit growth, persistent bad debts and continuing pressure on vulnerable borrowers.

Household debt restricts consumer spending as small businesses face tighter credit and weaker demand

The distinction is important. Commercial banks remain profitable, yet smaller businesses are struggling to obtain financing. Furthermore, heavily indebted households have limited capacity to increase consumption.

The Bank of Thailand has acknowledged that household indebtedness remains a major structural obstacle to stronger economic growth. These conditions have persisted despite a decline in the household debt ratio from earlier peaks.

Crucially, that reduction does not necessarily indicate stronger household finances. Restrictions on new borrowing have also contributed to the lower ratio. Many households therefore continue servicing substantial existing obligations while facing limited access to fresh credit.

Consequently, less disposable income remains available for spending on goods and services. Businesses dependent on domestic consumption face corresponding pressure from weaker demand.

The problem is particularly acute among smaller enterprises. These businesses face restricted working capital while serving customers whose spending remains constrained by debt.

Additionally, banks have become more cautious about extending loans to borrowers with existing financial difficulties. This has left smaller enterprises facing pressure from both weak consumer demand and limited financing.

Government deficits and debt servicing squeeze public finances despite stable sovereign rating outlook

The government’s financial problems have developed alongside these private-sector difficulties. Public debt remains close to the statutory ceiling, while substantial annual deficits require continued borrowing.

Meanwhile, debt servicing absorbs revenue that would otherwise remain available for government expenditure. The World Bank’s warning about debt servicing reaching its highest relative level since 2006 highlights this pressure.

Even so, international assessments do not indicate an imminent collapse of Thailand’s financial system. Commercial banks remain well capitalised, while government debt is predominantly domestically financed.

Fitch has also revised Thailand’s sovereign rating outlook from negative to stable, citing improved resilience and policy predictability. Nevertheless, the revision does not eliminate concerns about persistent deficits, weak lending growth or household indebtedness.

The government’s fiscal 2027 budget still provides for a deficit of ฿788 billion. Public debt, meanwhile, has reached ฿13.19 trillion, equivalent to 67.94% of GDP. That leaves a narrow margin beneath the existing 70% statutory ceiling. At the same time, household borrowing remains above 85% of GDP, while SME lending continues to contract.

Korn warns Thailand risks becoming the sick man of Asia as Ekniti seeks a new investment-led expansion

Former Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij has also warned that Thailand risks becoming the “sick man of Asia”. His warning reflects concerns about the country’s weak economic performance and declining competitiveness.

The comparison with 1991 has consequently gained significance during this week’s international meetings. Thirty-five years ago, Thailand was expanding its industrial base and attracting substantial foreign investment.

Today, the country is seeking another investment-led expansion under considerably tighter financial conditions. Ekniti’s proposals focus on productivity, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and stronger participation in global supply chains.

However, these measures represent longer-term economic objectives rather than immediate remedies for existing debts and deficits. The Finance Minister has acknowledged that investment commitments associated with the meetings will not immediately improve household conditions.

In parallel, the proposed outbound travel tax has exposed tensions between government revenue requirements and tourism industry concerns. The Revenue Department’s consultation continues until October 29, while industry organisations maintain their objections.

Travel industry warns of higher fares and fewer flights while banks report continued SME loan problems

Their warnings focus on passenger demand, airline capacity, ticket prices and potential consequences for inbound tourism. The proposal remains under consideration, with no final decision established in the supplied information.

On another front, Fitch’s banking assessment has highlighted persistent financial problems among smaller borrowers. Non-performing SME loans remain far higher than those recorded among corporate borrowers.

Lending to smaller enterprises has contracted, while credit to large corporations continues expanding. Meanwhile, commercial banks remain profitable, recording ฿247 billion in sector earnings during 2025.

Thailand’s financial pressures therefore extend across government accounts, households and businesses. Public debt is nearing the statutory ceiling, while fiscal deficits continue requiring substantial financing. Household borrowing remains exceptionally high, and smaller enterprises face increasingly restrictive access to credit. These conditions provide the immediate economic background to Ekniti’s proposals for a second economic take-off for Thailand.

Ekniti’s AI-driven ambitions collide with rising debt, fiscal deficits and opposition to departure tax

The Finance Minister has presented artificial intelligence as a means of improving productivity, creating employment and attracting investment. His plans also include regulatory reform, workforce training and stronger participation in global production networks. However, Thailand’s existing financial position remains constrained by substantial debts, weak credit growth and persistent budget deficits.

The contrast has dominated the economic backdrop to this week’s IMF–World Bank meetings in Bangkok. Ekniti is promoting a new technology-driven growth model while his ministry confronts mounting fiscal pressure. Simultaneously, the proposed ฿1,000 departure tax has triggered opposition from an industry central to Thailand’s foreign earnings.

Thirty-five years after Bangkok hosted the same international institutions during an economic boom, Thailand faces markedly different circumstances. Public debt has reached almost 68% of GDP, household borrowing exceeds 85%, and smaller businesses struggle to secure loans. Meanwhile, the government continues running substantial deficits as banks report persistent problems among vulnerable borrowers.

Ekniti’s proposed second economic take-off now stands against those existing financial conditions. His ministry is pursuing an AI-driven future while managing an economy burdened by enormous debts, restricted business lending and continuing fiscal deficits.

Tax grab targeted at outbound passengers is opposed by travel industry as ministry pushes a new agenda

Failing foreign tourism sector at war over tourist levy and exactly who benefits from the billions raised

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New tourist tax of 450 baht a step closer with officials targeting early 2027 after cabinet approval is obtained

End of 2026 or early 2027 for tourist levy which has risen to 450 baht and will apply to incoming air passengers

6th Minister of Tourism and Sports in 3 years promises a tourist levy, a policy first proposed in 2015

Hardline foreign tourism confirmed by new minster. More charges, shorter visas and mandatory insurance

Visa entry period to go from 60 to 30 days. Agreement in principle as foreign tourism numbers fall by 10%

60-day visa regime to be ended confirms Minister responding to rising industry security concerns

Joseph Anthony is an expat from Ireland who has lived in Thailand for the last decade. He has worked extensively in the media including editorial positions in Ireland and Thailand. He is focused on economic and business stories in Thailand as well as the expat lifestyle.

All posts by Joseph O' Connor

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2026年10月14日上午11:48

经济、生活、媒体、政治、泰国

泰国财政部长埃克尼提·尼提坦帕帕斯在国际货币基金组织-世界银行会议上力主利用人工智能推动经济复苏，而此时泰国经济正因债务重压而步履维艰。公共借款已达13.19万亿泰铢，接近GDP的70%上限，而家庭债务占比高达85.2%。与此同时，8988亿泰铢的财政赤字暴露出政府财政面临的巨大压力。惠誉评级警告称，尽管银行盈利2470亿泰铢，但由于小企业难以获得信贷，不良贷款问题将持续存在。雪上加霜的是，埃克尼提提出的1000泰铢离境税提案遭到业界的强烈反对。35年前，泰国在经济繁荣时期主办了这两次会议，如今，前财政部长科恩·查蒂卡瓦尼警告称，泰国面临沦为“亚洲病夫”的风险。埃克尼提承诺将实现经济的第二次腾飞，但不断攀升的债务和日益萎缩的信贷却令现有经济举步维艰。

泰国副总理兼财政部长埃克尼提·尼提坦帕帕斯力荐人工智能，而此时泰国债务已高达13.19万亿泰铢。惠誉警告称，不良贷款风险增加，而拟议的1000泰铢离境税引发众怒。（来源：泰叻报）

泰国财政部长埃克尼提·尼提坦帕帕斯正力推人工智能驱动的经济复苏，因为该国现有经济正因不断攀升的债务而举步维艰。在本周于曼谷举行的国际货币基金组织-世界银行年会上，他概述了第二次经济起飞的计划。

然而，泰国公共债务正逼近法定上限，而家庭借贷仍高于GDP的85%。由于小型企业难以获得银行贷款，政府也面临着巨额预算赤字。

与此同时，埃克尼蒂领导的旅游部正面临着旅游业对拟议的1000泰铢离境税的强烈反对。雪上加霜的是，惠誉评级警告称，不良贷款率将居高不下。这种反差十分鲜明：泰国正计划进行技术转型，而其现有的金融问题却在不断加剧。

Ekniti 倡导人工智能驱动型增长，而此时公共债务已接近上限，家庭借贷状况依然严峻。

10月12日星期一，埃克尼蒂在曼谷举行的世界银行旗舰论坛“小型人工智能：更多更好的就业机会”上发表了讲话。他倡导利用人工智能来提高生产力、创造就业机会并增强泰国的竞争力。

他的提议主要集中在技术投资、劳动力发展和扩大小型企业的发展机会上。然而，该国的财政状况却呈现出截然不同的景象。

截至2026年8月底，泰国公共债务达到13.19万亿泰铢，相当于国内生产总值（GDP）的67.94%。这仅比70%的法定债务上限低2.06个百分点。此外，政府2025财年的账目显示赤字为8988亿泰铢。

在2027财年3.788万亿泰铢的预算中，预计还将出现7880亿泰铢的赤字。因此，财政部面临着巨大的借贷需求，而其剩余的财政空间却在不断缩小。

情况恶化不仅限于政府账目。截至6月底，泰国家庭负债总额约为16.43万亿泰铢，相当于国内生产总值的85.2%。

与此同时，由于银行寻求保护其资产负债表，小型企业面临着日益严格的贷款条件。不良贷款率居高不下，而现有债务负担也持续抑制着消费支出。这些状况伴随着泰国长期经济增长乏力。

世界银行警告称，随着泰国财政支出空间日益萎缩，偿债成本将不断上升。

世界银行的数据显示，自疫情爆发以来，公共债务占GDP的比重增加了20多个百分点。此外，政府偿债支出占收入的比例也达到了2006年以来的最高水平。

持续的财政赤字需要不断借贷，而疲软的经济增长又限制了财政收入的增长。其结果是财政状况日益紧张，可用于额外支出的资源减少。

尽管如此，世界银行仍然认为泰国的公共债务是可持续的。大部分借款仍由国内融资，而外币敞口相对有限。

因此，该国目前的财政状况与1997年危机时的情况大相径庭。即便如此，政府在现有法定上限下仍面临着日益减少的借贷能力。其眼前的挑战是如何在不突破上限的情况下为持续的财政赤字融资。

财政部拟对国际离境旅客征收1000泰铢税款，此举引发旅游业强烈反对。

在此背景下，财政部与泰国旅游业陷入了激烈的争论。争议的焦点在于一项拟议的1000泰铢出境旅游税，该税项涵盖乘飞机离境的泰国和外国旅客。

税务局于9月30日启动公众咨询，意见征集截止日期为10月29日。埃克尼蒂为该提案辩护，称其部分目的是为了鼓励泰国居民在国内度假。他的论点主要集中在如何将更多消费留在泰国境内，而不是让消费流向海外。

然而，泰国旅行社协会和泰国酒店协会对此提出了强烈反对意见。这两个协会都警告称，此举可能对航空公司、乘客和旅游企业造成影响。他们的担忧不仅限于离境旅客面临的直接经济负担。业内人士认为，更高的离境成本可能会抑制国际旅行，并降低旅客需求。

反过来，客运量下降可能会削弱航空公司航线的盈利能力，并影响航班频次。航班减少也可能限制座位供应，从而推高国际旅客的票价。

值得注意的是，业内人士警告称，入境旅游可能与出境旅游一样遭受重创。泰国严重依赖国际游客来获取外汇收入、创造就业和促进商业活动。因此，这项拟议的税收引发了旅游业多个领域的反对。

旅游团体对新的离境税计划提出质疑，旅客综合收费可能高达2570泰铢。

如果将现有和拟议的旅客收费放在一起考虑，争议会更加激烈。目前，从泰国机场出发的国际航班需缴纳1120泰铢的旅客服务费。此外，政府还在考虑对外国游客征收450泰铢的入境费。

拟议的1000泰铢出境税将使符合条件的外国游客的总费用达到2570泰铢。然而，目前仅征收机场旅客服务费。这两项附加措施仍处于提案阶段。

然而，潜在的综合成本已成为业界反对的核心原因。10月13日，国际金融报道将离境税提案与泰国长期存在的财政赤字联系起来。

在现有经济活动依然疲软的情况下，财政部正寻求增加财政收入。与此同时，旅游业警告称，进一步收费可能会损害客运需求和航空公司的服务。这场争端使得政府的财政收入需求与泰国主要外汇收入来源之一的旅游业的利益陷入对立。

Ekniti推出三款人工智能程序，旨在提高小企业的生产力并改善其信贷获取渠道。

在税收争议愈演愈烈之际，埃克尼蒂向国际金融领袖们提出了截然不同的经济纲领。他的提案围绕人工智能、数字基础设施、外国投资和劳动力发展展开。具体而言，他概述了三个项目，分别称为“AI in All”、“All in AI”和“AI for All”。每个项目都针对泰国拟议的技术转型的不同方面。

第一个项目“AI in All”旨在提高现有企业的生产力。Ekniti重点介绍了一款名为Nok Krasip（意为“低语鸟”）的人工智能助手，该助手通过Thung Ngern应用程序运行。

这项技术帮助小型商户监控库存、计算利润和管理业务信息。此外，它还利用财务数据来提高他们获得正规信贷的可能性。据报道，已有近一百万小型商户使用过该系统。

该举措旨在解决泰国经济的一个迫切难题：小型企业融资渠道受限。许多企业尽管面临持续运营的需求，却难以获得传统的银行贷款。

Ekniti公司提出利用人工智能辅助的财务信息来改善小型企业获得贷款的途径。然而，小型企业面临的更广泛的信贷问题依然十分严峻。商业银行在为财务状况较弱的借款人提供贷款方面变得越来越谨慎。

数据中心投资和员工培训是Ekniti公司创造新就业机会和促进更安全的AI应用计划的核心。

他的第二项计划“全民人工智能”（All in AI）旨在将技术投资转化为就业机会。埃克尼蒂认为数据中心和云基础设施是潜在的新经济活动来源。

他特别强调，这些投资必须为泰国工人创造高质量的就业机会。政府的“技能桥梁”（SkillBridge）计划旨在将劳动力培训与雇主的需求对接起来。此外，该计划还致力于降低中小企业和初创企业获取人工智能技术的成本。

第三个项目“全民人工智能”重点关注那些难以适应技术变革的员工和企业。埃克尼蒂还谈到了人工智能广泛应用带来的风险，特别是网络犯罪和欺诈。

他呼吁世界银行、国际货币基金组织、多边开发银行和各国政府加强合作。这种合作将支持技术发展，同时加强对新兴金融和数字威胁的防范。然而，他的讲话并未确立泰国人工智能监管框架的具体方案。

埃克尼蒂回顾了泰国1991年的经济繁荣，并呼吁由私营企业推动第二次经济腾飞。

10月13日星期二，财政部长在曼谷举行的另一场重要研讨会上再次谈到了泰国的经济前景。此次研讨会的主题是“曼谷1991-2026：泰国迈向韧性和包容性增长之路”，探讨了泰国35年的经济发展历程。

曼谷上一次举办国际货币基金组织-世界银行年会是在1991年，当时正值泰国经济快速扩张时期。外商投资、工业发展和国际贸易正在改变泰国的经济格局。

埃克尼蒂承认，泰国向外国投资和全球生产网络开放，推动了经济增长。然而，他也意识到这种扩张存在一些弊端，这些弊端最终导致了1997年的金融危机。

他认为，泰国下一轮经济腾飞必须建立在更坚实的基础之上。他提出的第二轮扩张计划将着重提升生产力、发展数字技术以及参与全球供应链。监管改革也将发挥核心作用。

值得注意的是，埃克尼蒂表示，泰国准备减少商业监管以鼓励私人投资。他用足球作比喻，将私营部门比作负责进球的前锋。

政府将扮演中场球员的角色，支持企业发展并创造机遇。经济稳定则扮演后卫的角色，为持续扩张奠定基础。他的比喻将私营企业置于泰国拟议经济复兴计划的核心位置。

惠誉警告不良贷款持续存在且信贷获取差距不断扩大，与此同时，中小企业贷款业务承压。

然而，当前的经济形势与上世纪90年代初的情况截然不同。家庭债务仍然居高不下，而小型企业则面临着更加紧张的信贷环境。

2026年第二季度，银行对中小企业的贷款减少了4.6%。相比之下，同期对大型企业的贷款增加了6.6%。这些数据揭示了大型企业和小型企业融资条件的巨大差异。

此外，泰国国家经济和社会发展委员会报告称，到2025年底，中小企业不良贷款率将达到9.12%。这些困难引起了国际信用评级机构的重新关注。

9月30日，惠誉评级警告称，泰国银行业不良贷款率将居高不下。这一评估加剧了人们对信贷增长疲软和小型借款人持续面临财务压力的担忧。

惠誉评级泰国金融机构主管帕森·辛哈概述了该机构的调查结果。惠誉预计，未来一到两年内，不良贷款率将维持在3%至4%之间。这一水平远高于一些区域同行的水平。惠誉特别指出，小型企业是借款人中较为脆弱的群体。

尽管贷款疲软，小型企业面临越来越大的财务压力，泰国银行业仍盈利2470亿泰铢。

2026年6月，中小企业贷款的不良率约为9%。相比之下，零售借款人的不良率约为3%，而企业贷款的不良率仅为1%。这些差异表明，小型企业面临的财务困境更为集中。

与此同时，商业银行收紧了对财务状况较弱借款人的贷款标准。其结果是，经济中弱势群体获得信贷的渠道日益受限。

这种放缓并非仅限于近几个月。2020年至2025年间，银行贷款年均增长率仅为1%。相比之下，2010年至2015年期间，贷款年均增长率约为10%。

因此，信贷增速已较前十年大幅下降。尽管泰国商业银行仍保持盈利并拥有充足的资本储备，但信贷增速依然放缓。

事实上，银行业在2025年创造了约2470亿泰铢的利润。银行也保留了充足的资本缓冲，从而能够抵御潜在的财务损失。因此，惠誉区分了信贷环境恶化和个别金融机构的财务实力。

该机构预计不会再次出现类似1997年危机那样的银行业崩溃。相反，它预计信贷增长将长期疲软，不良贷款持续存在，弱势借款人将持续面临压力。

家庭债务限制了消费者支出，因为小企业面临信贷收紧和需求疲软的困境。

这种区别至关重要。商业银行依然盈利，但小型企业却难以获得融资。此外，负债累累的家庭增加消费的能力也十分有限。

泰国央行承认，家庭债务仍然是制约经济增长的主要结构性障碍。尽管家庭债务比率已从之前的峰值有所下降，但这种情况依然存在。

至关重要的是，这一下降并不一定意味着家庭财务状况的改善。对新增借贷的限制也是导致该比率下降的原因之一。因此，许多家庭在面临新信贷渠道有限的情况下，仍需继续偿还巨额现有债务。

因此，可用于购买商品和服务的可支配收入减少。依赖国内消费的企业也因此面临需求疲软的压力。

这个问题在小型企业中尤为突出。这些企业面临营运资金紧张的困境，而其客户的支出却因债务而受到限制。

此外，银行在向存在财务困难的借款人发放贷款方面变得更加谨慎。这使得小型企业面临着来自消费需求疲软和融资渠道受限的双重压力。

尽管主权评级前景稳定，但政府赤字和偿债压力仍令公共财政捉襟见肘。

政府的财政问题与私营部门的困境同时出现。公共债务仍然接近法定上限，而巨额的年度赤字也需要持续下去。

与此同时，偿债支出占用了原本可用于政府支出的收入。世界银行警告称，偿债支出已达到2006年以来的最高相对水平，这凸显了这种压力。

即便如此，国际评估并未显示泰国金融体系即将崩溃。商业银行资本充足，而政府债务也主要由国内融资。

惠誉已将泰国主权信用评级展望从负面调整为稳定，理由是泰国经济韧性和政策可预测性有所提高。然而，此次调整并未消除人们对泰国持续赤字、信贷增长疲软或家庭债务问题的担忧。

政府2027财年预算仍预留了7880亿泰铢的赤字。与此同时，公共债务已达13.19万亿泰铢，相当于GDP的67.94%，距离现行70%的法定上限仅一步之遥。此外，家庭借贷仍高于GDP的85%，而中小企业贷款持续萎缩。

科恩警告称，随着Ekniti寻求新的投资驱动型扩张，泰国有可能成为“亚洲病夫”。

泰国前财政部长科恩·查蒂卡瓦尼也警告称，泰国有沦为“亚洲病夫”的风险。他的警告反映了人们对泰国疲软的经济表现和竞争力下降的担忧。

因此，在本周的国际会议上，与1991年的比较显得尤为重要。35年前，泰国正在扩大其工业基础并吸引大量外国投资。

如今，该国在更为严峻的金融环境下寻求新一轮以投资为主导的扩张。埃克尼蒂的提案重点关注生产力、数字基础设施、人工智能以及更深入地参与全球供应链。

然而，这些措施代表的是长期的经济目标，而非解决现有债务和赤字的直接方案。财政部长也承认，与这些会议相关的投资承诺不会立即改善家庭状况。

与此同时，拟议的出境旅游税也暴露了政府财政收入需求与旅游业利益之间的矛盾。税务部门的公众咨询将持续到10月29日，而行业组织则继续坚持反对意见。

旅游业警告称票价上涨、航班减少，与此同时，银行报告称中小企业贷款问题持续存在。

他们的警告主要集中在乘客需求、航空公司运力、机票价格以及对入境旅游的潜在影响上。该提案仍在审议中，根据现有信息，尚未做出最终决定。

另一方面，惠誉的银行业评估报告强调了小型借款人持续存在的财务问题。中小企业不良贷款率远高于企业借款人的不良贷款率。

对小型企业的贷款有所收缩，而对大型企业的信贷则持续扩张。与此同时，商业银行依然盈利，预计到2025年，该行业的总收益将达到2470亿泰铢。

因此，泰国的财政压力波及政府账户、家庭和企业。公共债务已接近法定上限，而财政赤字仍需大量融资。家庭借贷水平仍然异常高，小型企业获得信贷的渠道日益受限。这些情况构成了Ekniti提出的泰国经济二次起飞方案的直接经济背景。

Ekniti 的人工智能驱动型雄心壮志与不断攀升的债务、财政赤字以及对离境税的反对意见相冲突。

财政部长将人工智能视为提高生产力、创造就业和吸引投资的手段。他的计划还包括监管改革、劳动力培训以及更积极地参与全球生产网络。然而，泰国目前的财政状况仍然受到巨额债务、信贷增长乏力和持续预算赤字的制约。

本周在曼谷举行的国际货币基金组织-世界银行会议的经济背景主要围绕着这样一个鲜明的对比：一方面，埃克尼蒂大力推行以技术驱动的新型增长模式；另一方面，他的部门却面临着日益增长的财政压力。与此同时，拟议的1000泰铢离境税引发了泰国外汇收入支柱产业的反对。

35年前，曼谷曾在经济繁荣时期主办过同样的国际机构会议，如今泰国面临的形势已截然不同。公共债务已接近GDP的68%，家庭借贷超过85%，小企业贷款难求。与此同时，由于银行报告弱势借款人持续面临困境，政府财政赤字依然居高不下。

埃克尼蒂提出的第二次经济腾飞计划如今面临着严峻的财政挑战。他的部门在努力打造人工智能驱动的未来的同时，还要应对一个背负巨额债务、商业贷款受限和持续财政赤字的经济体。

旅游业反对政府推行针对出境旅客的税收政策，与此同时，政府也在积极推进一项新议程。

外国旅游业举步维艰，双方就旅游税问题争执不下，究竟谁能从筹集的数十亿美元中获益。

除了已经实施的更高机场税之外，泰国还将新增出入境税。

新旅游税450泰铢的实施计划又向前迈进了一步，官员们计划在获得内阁批准后于2027年初实施。

旅游税将于2026年底或2027年初开始征收，目前已上调至450泰铢，并将适用于入境航空旅客。

三年内第六位旅游和体育部长承诺征收旅游税，这项政策最早于2015年提出。

新任部长确认将对外国旅游采取强硬措施。增加收费、缩短签证期限并强制购买保险。

签证入境期限由60天缩短至30天。鉴于外国游客数量下降10%，该提议已原则上达成一致。

部长确认将取消60天签证制度，以回应日益增长的行业安全担忧

约瑟夫·安东尼是一位来自爱尔兰的侨民，过去十年一直居住在泰国。他曾在爱尔兰和泰国的媒体行业担任过编辑职务，拥有丰富的媒体从业经验。他主要关注泰国的经济和商业新闻，以及侨民的生活方式。

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2026年10月8日，司法部长和其他内阁成员突击搜查曼谷的犹太中心，财务案件不断扩大。一家位于曼谷的小型办公室注册在六个实体名下，涉案金额达61美元。

一家与政府议员丈夫有关联的海外持牌在线赌博网站引发法律难题 2026年10月8日 19亿泰铢的财富纠纷或将席卷整个行业

2026年10月7日，北碧府一家恐怖的护理中心被关闭，该中心曾将病人锁在笼状床铺和牢房中。照片显示，该中心内有钢笼床、铁栅栏房间和精神病患者。

泰铢450泰铢的新旅游税计划在获得内阁批准后，于2027年初正式实施，距离实施又近了一步。2026年10月7日，外国游客将面临450泰铢的入境费。

反腐败和打击犯罪斗士阿查里亚（Atchariya）因网络犯罪被法院拒绝保释，于2026年10月5日被送往曼谷拘留监狱。

越南经济增长速度超过泰国，有望在2029年净GDP超过泰国（2026年10月5日）。泰国的经济领先地位正面临压力。

上周末，美国在呵叻府举办了一场由美国驻泰国大使奥尼尔主持的乡村集市演出，以此拉近了与泰国民众的距离。2026年10月5日，自由、爵士乐和创业精神成为焦点。

2026年10月4日，两名德国人在考拉遇难，他们死于一条此前已夺走多条外国人生命并造成惨重伤亡的道路上。这对德国夫妇在考拉的一个过境点被撞身亡。

2026年10月4日星期日清晨，春武里府一名丈夫亲眼目睹妻子被愤怒的大象咬死，经历了令人痛心的时刻。野生大象追逐并杀死了36岁的Wanna Sridachama。

周六凌晨，一名醉酒司机驾车撞倒了一名泰国女子和她的德国朋友。两人于2026年10月4日在曼谷通罗路不幸身亡。

泰国顶级反腐斗士因涉嫌参与与拳击相关的网络赌博案被警方逮捕并起诉 2026年10月3日 泰国顶级反腐斗士阿查里亚被判入狱

美国提高工业产能和转运方面的门槛，对泰国出口设置贸易壁垒 2026年10月3日 曼谷与美国达成的贸易协议面临关税威胁

沙没沙空府警方捣毁了一个在TikTok和Lazada上销售假冒商品的团伙。2026年10月10日，六名外国人在现场被捕。

首相表示他可以解释。他否认对公正机构拥有权力，此前众议院于2026年10月10日提交了不信任动议。

董里府因冰毒片剂交易发生谋杀案。2026年10月9日，两名男子在水库附近发现被焚烧的尸体后被捕。

商务部长表示，美泰贸易协议有望在11月签署，出口商已做好准备。（2026年10月9日）

2026年10月9日，暖武里府警方对一名因涉嫌谋杀未遂而被通缉的男子采取武装行动，该男子试图逃避逮捕令。

即使世界银行将泰国2026年的GDP增长率修正为2%，泰国经济依然举步维艰。（2026年10月8日）

除了已经实施的更高机场税之外，泰国还将对进出境征收新的税费，该税项已于2026年10月8日生效。

他信于2026年10月7日向曼谷税务法庭申请临时禁令，以阻止税务部门的执法行动。

来自“蓝营”的参议员们对持不同政见的选举专员西提乔特·因特拉怀斯采取行动 2026年10月6日

泰国航空克服了洪灾危机，但却发现自己正面临着管理层信任危机（2026年10月5日）

2026年10月5日，一名Grab外卖员在普吉岛利用行窃机会入室盗窃两户人家，共盗走369万泰铢。

“乔治·H·W·布什”号航空母舰提前一天抵达普吉岛，停泊在离岸3.3公里处。水兵们于2026年10月5日以度假模式上岸。

警方正在调查一名缅甸黑帮头目，他于2026年10月4日从印度乘飞机进入泰国，并拥有雄厚的财力。

泰国工业基础遭受洪灾重创。超过4000家企业表示需要财政援助。（2026年10月4日）

众议院委员会主席罗姆将于2026年10月4日星期三致电泰国议员布姆贾伊泰及其澳大利亚籍丈夫，讨论财富问题。

两名德国游客在攀牙府斑马线被撞身亡。2026年10月3日星期五晚，一辆皮卡车撞向他们。

上周泰国遭遇洪灾后，暴雨云团再次聚集，泰国正加紧加强防洪措施。（2026年10月3日）

泰自豪党议员就人民党议员兰西曼·罗姆涉嫌诈骗言论向警方报案 2026年10月2日

泰国航空公司首席执行官因行李危机于2026年10月2日（星期五）被财政部长主持的董事会解雇。

2026年10月2日，一名老人驾驶电动汽车高速冲入曼谷一座拥挤的寺庙，导致一名老妇重伤。

2026年10月2日，普吉岛一名嘟嘟车司机因未支付前往酒店的车费而被一名看起来像中东人的游客殴打。

2026年10月1日，总理因以色列人持续使用本国护照而取消其泰国公民身份，入籍公民身份受到审查。

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