Business Daily Thailand’s debt spiral
7 snips
Oct 12, 2025 Jie Ae Nattarin, a local private money lender in Thailand, discusses her controversial role in a community plagued by high consumer debt. She shares her experiences of borrowing from a loan shark and the motivation to help others in similar situations. The conversation delves into the struggles of villagers reliant on informal lending, the challenges posed by banks, and the ethical dilemmas of charging high interest rates. JA defends her practices amidst legal scrutiny, highlighting a complex relationship between lenders and borrowers in an economy facing significant turmoil.
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Life on Daily Cash Flow
- Ball borrowed 5,000 baht after a road accident and now struggles to repay without steady work.
- He survives on small meals and hopes for cash flow each day to cover debt payments.
Debt Is Dragging The Recovery
- Thailand's high household debt-to-GDP has stalled the post-COVID recovery by raising credit risk and reducing lending.
- Lower consumption and investment from debt burdens create a vicious circle that weakens repayment potential.
From Borrower To Local Lender
- JA Naterin began as a borrower who fled loan sharks and later returned money to settle her debts.
- Her experience of hiding with children and moving provinces shaped her later role lending to villagers.