Story perspectives

IMF Warns Developing-World Debt Tops 100% by 2030

By Drooid · Oct 11, 2026, 2:54 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

IMF Warns Debt

IMF warned public debt in developing countries will exceed 100% of GDP before 2030 at Thailand meetings.
Thailand’s household debt-to-GDP ratio hit 85.2% at end-June, among Asia’s highest.
Business owner Kavita Wongyakasem owes 10 million baht to banks and 2.1 million baht to informal lenders.
Bank of Thailand assistant governor Don Nakornthab warned household debt could derail the 2.7% growth target.

Summary

Tourist Police Secure

Tourist Police will secure venues, hotels and attractions using drones, undercover patrols and motorcade escorts.
Metropolitan Police Bureau banned protests around the convention centre, banquet venues and 22 hotels until Oct 20.
Participants’ spending is projected to generate between 1.05 billion and 2.25 billion baht for the Thai economy.
More than 320 electric vehicles will transport delegates, supporting the summit’s carbon-reduction goals.

History

Historical Context

Thailand’s 1997 Asian financial crisis began when speculative attacks forced the baht to float on 2 July 1997, prompting the IMF to approve a $17.2 billion rescue package and fiscal tightening under Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. After restructuring and a rapid rebound by 2001, household debt now tops 85 % of GDP, leading the IMF and Bank of Thailand to warn of growth risks.

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IMF Warns Debt

IMF warned public debt in developing countries will exceed 100% of GDP before 2030 at Thailand meetings.
Thailand’s household debt-to-GDP ratio hit 85.2% at end-June, among Asia’s highest.
Business owner Kavita Wongyakasem owes 10 million baht to banks and 2.1 million baht to informal lenders.
Bank of Thailand assistant governor Don Nakornthab warned household debt could derail the 2.7% growth target.

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