Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => International News clippings => Topic started by: urleft on January 15, 2013, 10:43:59 PM

Title: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 15, 2013, 10:43:59 PM
The USD is falling against the Thai baht, in the past weeks it has gone form 30.7 to 1, to now sometimes below 30. 
 
 
Luckily the US has Obama to fix things.   thumbup
 
 
 
 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on January 15, 2013, 10:53:43 PM
Urleft, I here ya as an Aussie paid in USD I have been taking a hammering for some time, not sure if I would blame Obama, he was left in charged of a heavily indebted state of affairs from G.W.Bush. Believe me it would make me happy to see the USD flying high again.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 15, 2013, 11:52:16 PM
Urleft, I here ya as an Aussie paid in USD I have been taking a hammering for some time, not sure if I would blame Obama, he was left in charged of a heavily indebted state of affairs from G.W.Bush. Believe me it would make me happy to see the USD flying high again.

When does Obama take claim for economy?  It has been 4 years.  Time for him to Man up. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on January 16, 2013, 12:10:43 AM
Mate look at the world economy, wars and actions that were inherited......plus lack of recovery can also be attributed many other factors including difficulty passing what actions that he would like due to congress and senate, the ever suspicious lobby self interest movements that are so strong in the US political system.....(corrupt )......a banking system in desperate need of regulation to stop the greedy so and so's from gambling hard earns savings of the common man.......strangely Aust banks had no such issues through either of both recent Crisis due to being regulated...and still like all banks very profitable. As I have said I would love the US dollar way back up, and just because of what I have said doesn't mean that Obama hasn't accepted some responsibility.
Not sure a republican option would be any better than Obama......because the last republican president was a complete muppet
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on January 16, 2013, 12:56:20 AM
 thumbup
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on January 16, 2013, 05:54:52 AM
You may shout about the value of the US DOLLAR But the English Pound has taken a far bigger battering not only over the past week or so but since the start of the Economic Crash.....& we all know where that started don't we........THE USA
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on January 16, 2013, 06:55:31 AM
When I arrived permanently on these shores in 1986, the exchange rates were 25 to the $, and 39 to the £

From 1956 until 1973, the baht was pegged to the U.S. dollar at an exchange rate of 20.8 baht = one dollar and at 20 baht = 1 dollar until 1978. A strengthening US economy caused Thailand to re-peg its currency at 25 to the dollar from 1984 until July 2, 1997, when the country was stung by the Asian financial crisis. The baht was floated and halved in value, reaching its lowest rate of 56 to the dollar in January 1998. It has since risen to about 30 per dollar.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on January 16, 2013, 10:47:20 AM
Nick,I'm sorry to disagree with your figures......I remember the rate being 34 baht to the GBP for a long period,with it even dropping down to 29baht for a couple of days when the UK withdrew from the EUROPEAN ERM & Mortgage rates in the UK hit 15%.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: yupainon on January 16, 2013, 11:41:31 AM
thumbup
OBAMA is a good guy .
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: RonTexas on January 16, 2013, 11:58:34 AM
LOL! please open your eyes and get a grip. brick1
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 16, 2013, 12:33:39 PM
Here is Obama's crisis management flowchart:

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on January 16, 2013, 12:39:02 PM
thumbup
OBAMA is a good guy .
no argument...good guy and one of the most intelligent guys to sit in the white house, the poor bugger inherited a huge can of worms...likes of which have never been seen before.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 16, 2013, 12:47:30 PM
After 4 years he is inheriting from himself.  His first 2 years in office the Democrats had complete control of congress and the White House, they implimented whatever policies (Obamacare) and multiple Stimulas bills as they wanted, all it got us was more GVT and more dept.  This is his economy. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on January 16, 2013, 12:56:14 PM
yes the first two years....during a period of world economic crisis....you talk about gun rights, when the rest of the world talk about the rights and access to health care and education....Democrats themselves watered down the "Obama care", energy and insurance companies run the USA through lobbiests, and while special interest groups "sponsor"  campaigns..etc there will be few leaders in the US who will have the true interests of the citizens at heart.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on January 16, 2013, 12:57:02 PM
thumbup
OBAMA is a good guy .
no argument...good guy and one of the most intelligent guys to sit in the white house, the poor bugger inherited a huge can of worms...likes of which have never been seen before.

Agree on this. In 2007 me and Mrs. GL were in Washington DC  I had the honor of given Jr. the one finger salute at the white house. Next month me and Mrs GL will be back in DC and this time it would be an honor to shake  Obamas hand.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 22, 2013, 09:43:13 AM
Just checking the exchange rate, it is now under 30, in some cases under 29. 


http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx (http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx)
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on January 22, 2013, 10:40:51 AM
Just checking the exchange rate, it is now under 30, in some cases under 29. 


http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx (http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx)

FFS Urleft,you are leading a somewhat boring exsistance!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Bigbus on January 22, 2013, 02:59:38 PM
it's just the the USD taking a shit kicking....there is other currency in this world also taking a hit....
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on February 22, 2013, 10:10:16 PM
and the tanking continues.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on February 23, 2013, 04:10:28 AM
Still tanking...may have to work longer even to retire in Thailand....this sucks.... party15
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 06, 2013, 11:49:57 PM
and the tanking continues.

28 baht to one USD. 


Damn, that is one less beer I can buy. 
 madbar
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 12, 2013, 09:23:11 PM
All exchanges under 29 baht to $1 USD, several are under 28 to 1. 

To bad for those on fixed incomes. 


For those that are still planning retirement, I recommend a mix of:

- Pensions (these are fixed income, you can be hurt on exchange rates).
- Retirement Savings (if your country allows, I urge you to invest in them).
- Current Savings, this is money you have in regular bank accounts.
- Investments, this includes stocks, bonds and property. 
- Local money.  This can be both money converted to local currency in a Thai Bank and money earned from a Thai business.   

If you have a mix of these, you should be able to weather economy storms.  But if you just depend on one or 2, you can really be hurt by the exchange rates. 

But if you look at the decade view, it seems they exchange rates invert about every 10 years (+/- 10 years).  So the rates should get better.

However, that does not mean the exchange rates cannot tank a lot more, I have heard a prediction of 20 to 1 baht to USD.  That will hurt me, but not devestate.  I can continue to live the LOS, but just not as good as I hoped. 

I wish you all well in overcoming the current rates. 
 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: JasonB on April 12, 2013, 11:23:35 PM
Yes but Bigbus,if the US falls,alot of other countries will too,and that is a real problem for all of us,as we lose real world spending power in Thailand,I think Urleft has a good reason to bring this up,JasonB.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 26, 2013, 06:32:23 PM
Not sure what is happening, but the USD has about a .40 baht surge to 29.32 baht to $1.   All but 3 banks has the exchange at 29 or higher.  Hope this continues. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on April 26, 2013, 11:46:03 PM
 party4

I hope so too!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 03, 2013, 09:09:58 PM
Again, not sure what is going on, but this is the 2nd Friday in a row the dollar has surged, up as high as 29.55 to $1.  All banks seem to have the USD over 29 (exchanging $100).

It fell most of the week, but has now popped back up. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on May 04, 2013, 06:40:40 AM
All exchanges under 29 baht to $1 USD, several are under 28 to 1. 

To bad for those on fixed incomes. 


For those that are still planning retirement, I recommend a mix of:

- Pensions (these are fixed income, you can be hurt on exchange rates).
- Retirement Savings (if your country allows, I urge you to invest in them).
- Current Savings, this is money you have in regular bank accounts.
- Investments, this includes stocks, bonds and property. 
- Local money.  This can be both money converted to local currency in a Thai Bank and money earned from a Thai business.   

If you have a mix of these, you should be able to weather economy storms.  But if you just depend on one or 2, you can really be hurt by the exchange rates. 

But if you look at the decade view, it seems they exchange rates invert about every 10 years (+/- 10 years).  So the rates should get better.

However, that does not mean the exchange rates cannot tank a lot more, I have heard a prediction of 20 to 1 baht to USD.  That will hurt me, but not devestate.  I can continue to live the LOS, but just not as good as I hoped. 

I wish you all well in overcoming the current rates. 
 
You never let on about your new role as 'financial advisor'.......I would have thought you would do better as 'security advisor'
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 11, 2013, 11:13:22 AM

You never let on about your new role as 'financial advisor'.......I would have thought you would do better as 'security advisor'


That's because if I told you about it I would have to kill you.    happybar

 


Dark humor from security advisors I have worked with and trained. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: JasonB on May 11, 2013, 09:11:13 PM
I haven't killed anyone in a long time....but looks like you shut old Mate Nookie up. :laugh:
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on May 12, 2013, 07:22:49 AM
I haven't killed anyone in a long time....but looks like you shut old Mate Nookie up. :laugh:
That's just not possible!!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: JasonB on May 12, 2013, 02:22:05 PM
Ha Ha Nookie,I knew that would get you in Mate boxingguy
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 29, 2013, 09:24:06 AM
Wooo Wooo,

Super Rich just posted the baht 30.02 to 1 USD (for a C note) 

Maybe will celebrate with a Magners at the Irish Bar, try to help him stay open. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on May 29, 2013, 11:09:51 AM
Excellent news. I believe it closed at 30.130 today, moving in the right direction.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 29, 2013, 11:22:46 AM
Excellent news. I believe it closed at 30.130 today, moving in the right direction.

Has not closed still trading.. KT on TT @ 30.01   SR BK on USD @ 30.08
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 29, 2013, 03:50:59 PM
According to Bloomberg things maybe getting better for us Yanks  :

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-29/thai-baht-weakens-to-four-month-low-as-interest-rate-cut-seen.html



Thai Baht Weakens to Four-Month Low as Interest-Rate Cut Seen

By Yumi Teso - May 28, 2013 9:21 PM CT



Thailand’s baht dropped to a four-month low before a review today at which the central bank is forecast to cut borrowing costs for the first time since October.


The Bank of Thailand will lower its one-day bond repurchase rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 2.5 percent, according to 15 of 24 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. One predicts a half-point cut and eight see no change. The Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against six major counterparts, rose for a second day after a report yesterday showed U.S.consumer confidence is at a five-year high.

“The rate cut will put some more downward pressure in the short term on the baht,” said Hideki Hayashi, a researcher at the Japan Center for Economic Research in Tokyo. “There’s general dollar strength supported by the good U.S. data.”

The baht fell 0.5 percent to 30.15 per dollar as of 8:45 a.m. in Bangkok and touched 30.16 earlier, the weakest level since Jan. 15, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The currency was poised for a second monthly decline, falling 2.7 percent in May.

There is a risk the baht could fall to 30.5 per dollar if the central bank cuts by more than 25 basis points, according toPaul Mackel, HSBC Holdings Plc’s Hong Kong-based head of Asian currency research. A bigger rate reduction would be taken as“quite an aggressive sign” that the monetary authority is still concerned about inflow pressures and the strength of the currency, he said yesterday.


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 29, 2013, 03:56:53 PM
SR.   USD 30.12, BB TT USD 30.03
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 03, 2013, 11:06:12 AM
Life is getting better for Americans, all banks have the USD over 30 baht to 1.  TT rates are even better. 

Super Rich just posted the baht 30.38 to 1 USD (for a Benjamin)


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on June 03, 2013, 12:54:10 PM
Outstanding!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 11, 2013, 09:12:04 AM
The untanking continues.  Approaching 31,


Super Rich just posted the baht 30.78 to 1 USD (for a Franklin).    Almost all markets are above 30 until you start exchaning $5 notes. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on June 11, 2013, 09:18:40 AM
The untanking continues.  Approaching 31,


Super Rich just posted the baht 30.78 to 1 USD (for a Franklin).    Almost all markets are above 30 until you start exchaning $5 notes.

I only deal in C-Notes... whistle
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on June 11, 2013, 10:19:58 AM
Even the GBP has risen quite sharply in the last week or so!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 11, 2013, 10:27:50 AM
This is having an immidiate impact for some of us.  I used the ATM from my US Bank on May 20 and again yesterday, the USD difference was over $20, easily enough for another case of Leo. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on June 11, 2013, 03:08:50 PM
This is having an immidiate impact for some of us.  I used the ATM from my US Bank on May 20 and again yesterday, the USD difference was over $20, easily enough for another case of Leo. 


Use your spellchecker Keith!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 19, 2013, 10:17:35 AM
I am starting to notice a pattern on the rates, the exchange is very close to 31 for a USD (Super Rich 30.9).   It appears the rates seem to fall on weekends and rise around midweek (like today Wednesday).  Last week the Baht was also at 30.9 at midweek, but fell to 30.4 on Sunday.

You might consider exchanging your money on Wednesdays. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on June 19, 2013, 10:24:04 AM
Good point.  I'm sending some money tomorrow... Wednesday here
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 21, 2013, 10:06:28 AM
Woooo Wooo,

31.1 to 1 USD at Super Rich.  Life is getting better. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Antonio on June 21, 2013, 10:13:12 AM
Woooo Wooo,

31.1 to 1 USD at Super Rich.  Life is getting better.
30.80 to 1 USD at the Bangkok Bank,but ok as you say things are looking up.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: mike on June 21, 2013, 12:40:43 PM
Woooo Wooo,

31.1 to 1 USD at Super Rich.  Life is getting better.

My wife just got 40.96 to 1€uro this week and is very happy  :)

Mike
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 08, 2013, 03:52:17 PM
Wooo,

Don't know what happened here but Superrich has the rate at 31.37 to $1.  All banks are over 31 for $1 based on $100 notes. 

Maybe we can hit 32 in the next month. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 12, 2013, 09:44:56 PM
Urleft, I here ya as an Aussie paid in USD I have been taking a hammering for some time, not sure if I would blame Obama, he was left in charged of a heavily indebted state of affairs from G.W.Bush. Believe me it would make me happy to see the USD flying high again.

This has nothing to do with Bush.. It has everything to do with Obama.. 4 and a half years later it is all Obama.. and off course 535 clowns in the congress on both sides of the isle.. For those of us who live here the blame Bush thing isn't cutting it anymore and that includes many liberal democrats.. Talks cheap and all Obama has done is run his mouth and do nothing.. His administration is now known as the one who is in charge of everything and responsible for nothing.. Progressive liberalism may work in some parts of the world but it doesn't work here in the US.. As a people we are not wired that way.. Just ask the over 58 million people who didn't vote for Obama...
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on August 13, 2013, 08:34:56 AM
Urleft wake up to yourself, the right wing no big government, self regulating arseholes in the banking and business community from America and Europe are to blame for the collapse of the worlds economy, Bush being a large component on its continued spiral of out of control economics but I am not gong to blame him as I will refuse to blame Obama for the state of the US economy which has been spiralling with out of control debt for many years through greed and corruption esp through the lobbyist and big business's. if your pet hate is Obama then I'm sure you with be happy with the next Muppet that the Republicans get in to office with a political platform of " God and guns", screw education, health and social welfare. bravo1 slapfight
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 13, 2013, 02:41:32 PM
Urleft wake up to yourself, the right wing no big government, self regulating arseholes in the banking and business community from America and Europe are to blame for the collapse of the worlds economy, Bush being a large component on its continued spiral of out of control economics but I am not gong to blame him as I will refuse to blame Obama for the state of the US economy which has been spiralling with out of control debt for many years through greed and corruption esp through the lobbyist and big business's. if your pet hate is Obama then I'm sure you with be happy with the next Muppet that the Republicans get in to office with a political platform of " God and guns", screw education, health and social welfare. bravo1 slapfight

I have never said I hate Obama.  I really dislike his policies and think he is being destructive of America (and the world).  However, he is a liberal academia product that was taught the elite (like him) know what is best for us, and GVT control is what to go.  He is also a lawyer with means he has no morals, values and the truth is subject to change. 

Obama got 2 years of all his policies implemented, he could do whatever he wanted from 2009-2010.  His policies just did not work.  I lived thru the Jimmy Carter years and saw Reagan put the US Economy back on track.  During the 1st 6 years of Bush, the economy did fairly well, the destructive GVT policies like forcing banking institutions to lend money to unqualified individuals set the economy on its head. 

And the EU world order is a whole debacle in itself.   

For me, I was lucky, I got to empower myself with Reagan’s policies (e.g., 401K and IRAs) such that even if my pensions go belly up, I can still live OK.  I feel sorry for the individuals that were sold utopia with GVT taking care of them, they are going to suffer. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 14, 2013, 02:29:33 AM
Kudos Urleft on that last post.. You hit the nail on the head again, as usual.  By the way Speros the post you're charging Urleft with was mine.  I've spent the last 65 years of my life being the ugly and hated American.  Doesn't bother me a bit.  I am very well used to it and could care less about what anyone, except another American, has to say about her or me.  Right now the better part of the world is going to hell in a hand cart.  Until you show me another system of government that has proven itself to work better I'll stick with free market capitalism. Have a good day Comrade.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on August 14, 2013, 09:30:02 AM
The Westminster system with a non political head of state seems to be a good system, my apologies to Keith, I'm working off of a phone( the only Internet I have) as for comrade.. Bahahaha I am far from the left I would be more centre with some extreme right views on several issues. Just because i believe a universal health system and decent education oppertunities for all does not make me a communist!!!! Even if Obama has not done well, at least world opinion is that you have an intelligent head of state unlike Bush who seemed to have the IQ of a stuffed ferret.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 14, 2013, 10:24:50 AM
Well at least we can agree to disagree Speros.. Would like to hear more about the Westminster System.. Never heard of it before but it sounds interesting.. If we could most of us here would bring back Bubba and Newt.. Bill Clinton is very affectionately called Bubba here.. The last time we made a profit was with him and speaker Gingrich.. Newt's cooperation with Clinton also cost him his speaker position in the house.  But the 2 of them got things done.. Unfortunately there is no compromise with this administration.. It's Obama's way or the highway.. He is very carefully scripted by his handlers.. Without a script and a teleprompter he's lost and prone to temper tantrums.. He wants to be remembered like JFK or FDR but right now he looks more like Nixon..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 15, 2013, 06:42:45 PM
To get back on the original subject... The baht seems to have always floated up and down from what I see.  Over the last month it's come back from being a bit dismal.. From my point of view it seems to be OK.. I remember when I was in the LOS back in 73 it got as low as 17 to the dollar and I never saw it any better then 20 for the 2 years I was there.. In 98 it was really good.. It varied from about 42 to 48.. Then in 2005 it was about 35.. So from 2005 until now it really hasn't changed that much.. What we have right now sure beats what we had back in the 70s.. and it is better then it was about 2 months ago.. Where the rate is headed is anyone's guess.. but for right now it seems to be pretty stable.. At least from this ole boy's point of view..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: bart simpson on August 16, 2013, 01:09:12 AM
To get back on the original subject... The baht seems to have always floated up and down from what I see.  Over the last month it's come back from being a bit dismal.. From my point of view it seems to be OK.. I remember when I was in the LOS back in 73 it got as low as 17 to the dollar and I never saw it any better then 20 for the 2 years I was there.. In 98 it was really good.. It varied from about 42 to 48.. Then in 2005 it was about 35.. So from 2005 until now it really hasn't changed that much.. What we have right now sure beats what we had back in the 70s.. and it is better then it was about 2 months ago.. Where the rate is headed is anyone's guess.. but for right now it seems to be pretty stable.. At least from this ole boy's point of view..
The baht was at 40+ / dollar when I moved here in November 2005 by June 2006 it was down to 35. I was lucky and bought my home and vehicles in Nov. 2005 at 41 baht / dollar.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 16, 2013, 04:26:12 AM
Wasn't so lucky on this end.. It cost not only in the baht rate but in the price of the house as well.. By the time we were eligible to retire, build the house, and make this move.  The cost of the materials for the house had increased by about 30% and the baht rate slowly tanked.  We had major problems trying to send money bank to bank.  They screwed up on the transfers (Bangkok Bank in Nang Rong) and the banks we were able to deal with here just didn't deal with any other bank other then Bangkok Bank. The only way we could safely get the money to the LOS was through Western Union and that added to the cost.  When all was said and done, over the last 2 years we have only averaged 29.37 baht to the dollar.  So, once we are there, if we can get 30 to 31 baht to the dollar that will be just fine with us.  For those who have been in the LOS since 2005 or earlier feel good about having been through the good times.  In the last 5 years the price of land in Pon's home village has gone up by over 500%.  We feel lucky because by the end of this year the price of the materials to build the house we built will go up another 25 to 30%.  That's why we did everything we could to scrape the money together to build the house as soon as possible.  It's like anything else in this world.  It's a matter of supply and demand.  In 1973 I was the 1st farang to ever set foot in Pon's home village.  By 1998 there were maybe  4 or 5.  By 2005 the number had gone up to about 15 to 20 and as of now there are over 50 living in that village.  With the arrival of so many farang came some outrageous inflation.  Remember... We're all rich???  That's a lot of farang for a little farm village out in the sticks that doesn't even show up on Google Earth.  Thailand has become a  very popular place to live and retire in.  We're all living proof of that. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 23, 2013, 09:42:58 AM


Maybe we can hit 32 in the next month. 



Sometimes I am really good  bananadance , the rate at Super Rich hit 32  punk for about 15 seconds (more like 16 hours), but is back down to 31.88   moneysmile

But then this is the beginning of the weekend when rates usually drop, luckily I used the ATM with better exchange rate yesterday. 

The news on the Thai Economy getting weaker plus the turd in the punch bowl of the inflated rice prices seem to have an impact. 

Link to check exchange rates:   http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx (http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx)
 
 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 28, 2013, 07:27:54 AM
As of today the exchange rate is better now, at least here, then it was when we were in the LOS in September 2011. So it has to be better over there.. Enjoy it while it lasts..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: binnsy on August 28, 2013, 08:04:40 AM
The Obama administration has warned Congress the US could run out of money to pay its bills soon after mid-October unless swift action is taken to raise government borrowing limits.
 
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew made the plea in a letter to Congressional leaders following several bruising political battles over the country's finances in recent years that have resulted in last-minute emergency measures to avert disaster.
 
Mr Lew said "Congress should act as soon as possible to protect America's good credit" urging action "well before any risk of default becomes imminent".
 
He warned that the government would exhaust its borrowing capacity in the middle of October and be left with about $50bn (£32.2bn) in cash on hand, an amount that he said could conceivably be wiped out in a single day.
 
"Such a scenario could undermine financial markets and result in significant disruptions to our economy," Mr Lew added.
 
A heated debate in Washington over the debt ceiling nearly led to default in 2011, rattling financial markets and prompting a major rating agency to downgrade America's credit rating.
 
Earlier this year, a divided Congress officially missed the deadline for averting $85bn of cuts to defence and other programmes, which had been designed to be so ugly that Washington would be forced to avoid them.
 
The government has been scraping up against its current $16.7trn (£10.7trn) debt limit since May, but has avoided defaulting on any of its obligations by employing a number of emergency measures to manage its cash, like suspending investments in pension funds for federal workers.
 
Republicans are considering using the need to raise the debt ceiling as leverage for their agenda in Congress.
 
Among the party's aims is weakening President Obama's signature healthcare overhaul.
 
"The debt limit remains a reminder that, under President Obama, Washington has failed to deal seriously with America's debt and deficit," said Michael Steel, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner.
 
While Congress has already taken the tax and spending decisions that have fuelled US budget deficits, it also separately controls the limit on the nation's debt.
 
However, the President is vowing not to let the debt ceiling be a bargaining chip in other political discussions - suggesting Americans face another anxious wait for a deal.
 
"We will not negotiate with Republicans in Congress over Congress' responsibility to pay the bills that Congress has racked up, period," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
 
The Obama administration has been bolstered by improved tax receipts amid economic recovery but while that has bought some time there is no sign of any compromise in sight.
 


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 29, 2013, 10:31:07 PM
When I arrived permanently on these shores in 1986, the exchange rates were 25 to the $, and 39 to the £

From 1956 until 1973, the baht was pegged to the U.S. dollar at an exchange rate of 20.8 baht = one dollar and at 20 baht = 1 dollar until 1978. A strengthening US economy caused Thailand to re-peg its currency at 25 to the dollar from 1984 until July 2, 1997, when the country was stung by the Asian financial crisis. The baht was floated and halved in value, reaching its lowest rate of 56 to the dollar in January 1998. It has since risen to about 30 per dollar.

Thanks Nick.. Well said..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 29, 2013, 10:34:12 PM
The Obama administration has warned Congress the US could run out of money to pay its bills soon after mid-October unless swift action is taken to raise government borrowing limits.
 
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew made the plea in a letter to Congressional leaders following several bruising political battles over the country's finances in recent years that have resulted in last-minute emergency measures to avert disaster.
 
Mr Lew said "Congress should act as soon as possible to protect America's good credit" urging action "well before any risk of default becomes imminent".
 
He warned that the government would exhaust its borrowing capacity in the middle of October and be left with about $50bn (£32.2bn) in cash on hand, an amount that he said could conceivably be wiped out in a single day.
 
"Such a scenario could undermine financial markets and result in significant disruptions to our economy," Mr Lew added.
 
A heated debate in Washington over the debt ceiling nearly led to default in 2011, rattling financial markets and prompting a major rating agency to downgrade America's credit rating.
 
Earlier this year, a divided Congress officially missed the deadline for averting $85bn of cuts to defence and other programmes, which had been designed to be so ugly that Washington would be forced to avoid them.
 
The government has been scraping up against its current $16.7trn (£10.7trn) debt limit since May, but has avoided defaulting on any of its obligations by employing a number of emergency measures to manage its cash, like suspending investments in pension funds for federal workers.
 
Republicans are considering using the need to raise the debt ceiling as leverage for their agenda in Congress.
 
Among the party's aims is weakening President Obama's signature healthcare overhaul.
 
"The debt limit remains a reminder that, under President Obama, Washington has failed to deal seriously with America's debt and deficit," said Michael Steel, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner.
 
While Congress has already taken the tax and spending decisions that have fuelled US budget deficits, it also separately controls the limit on the nation's debt.
 
However, the President is vowing not to let the debt ceiling be a bargaining chip in other political discussions - suggesting Americans face another anxious wait for a deal.
 
"We will not negotiate with Republicans in Congress over Congress' responsibility to pay the bills that Congress has racked up, period," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
 
The Obama administration has been bolstered by improved tax receipts amid economic recovery but while that has bought some time there is no sign of any compromise in sight.

The Obama will not negotiate with Republicans on ANYTHING.. It's either Obama's way or the highway..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 29, 2013, 11:07:58 PM
thumbup

OK.. we already know that you're a big Obama fan.. What's next?
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on August 30, 2013, 08:06:03 AM
thumbup

OK.. we already know that you're a big Obama fan.. What's next?
Cruise missiles to Damascus??
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 30, 2013, 08:33:12 AM
thumbup

OK.. we already know that you're a big Obama fan.. What's next?
Cruise missiles to Damascus??

Unfortunately, you may be right.. One good thing did come out of today.. the British Parliament got it right.. My God did I just say that?  Now I know, for sure, that Obama's got to go...
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Ahab on August 30, 2013, 12:13:22 PM
thumbup

OK.. we already know that you're a big Obama fan.. What's next?
Cruise missiles to Damascus??

Unfortunately, you may be right.. One good thing did come out of today.. the British Parliament got it right.. My God did I just say that?  Now I know, for sure, that Obama's got to go...
Re the British parliament getting it right, even a blind squirrel will occasionally find an acorn. swordfight swordfight swordfight
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on August 30, 2013, 12:37:25 PM
thumbup

OK.. we already know that you're a big Obama fan.. What's next?
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 30, 2013, 06:40:26 PM
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.

BTW Simon, exactly what made W a moron?   

How could that moron be the only US President to earn an MBA from Harvard? 


And believe it or not, I am not a Bush ( Sr or Jr) fan, both are part of the DC elite IMHO.  Just trying to get the specifics of how he became a moron. 



Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Ahab on August 30, 2013, 09:42:20 PM
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.

BTW Simon, exactly what made W a moron?   

How could that moron be the only US President to earn an MBA from Harvard? 


And believe it or not, I am not a Bush ( Sr or Jr) fan, both are part of the DC elite IMHO.  Just trying to get the specifics of how he became a moron.
Bush was a moron because the left and the press say that he was. This is what the left does to anyone on the right that dares to become president. Why debate his policies or wisdom of his actions based on facts when it is easier to call him a name.

On the other hand the current temporary resident of the white house is hailed by the left and the press as a genius. At least they are consistent, this judgement is obviously not based on facts either.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 30, 2013, 11:55:03 PM
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.

BTW Simon, exactly what made W a moron?   

How could that moron be the only US President to earn an MBA from Harvard? 


And believe it or not, I am not a Bush ( Sr or Jr) fan, both are part of the DC elite IMHO.  Just trying to get the specifics of how he became a moron.
Bush was a moron because the left and the press say that he was. This is what the left does to anyone on the right that dares to become president. Why debate his policies or wisdom of his actions based on facts when it is easier to call him a name.

On the other hand the current temporary resident of the white house is hailed by the left and the press as a genius. At least they are consistent, this judgement is obviously not based on facts either.

Thank you so very much.. Well said...
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on August 31, 2013, 01:03:42 AM
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.

BTW Simon, exactly what made W a moron?   

How could that moron be the only US President to earn an MBA from Harvard? 


And believe it or not, I am not a Bush ( Sr or Jr) fan, both are part of the DC elite IMHO.  Just trying to get the specifics of how he became a moron.
Apart from his public speaking ? Well let me think.....weapons of mass distraction, resulting in the invasion of Iraq, invading Afganistan which has historically gone so well for the Russians and the British, banning gay marriages, ....his involvement and profiteering from the Emron bankruptcy , ensuring the Bin Laden family members were promptly allowed to leave the US after 9/11 without questioning. Maybe you are correct he may not be a moron but a national and international criminal mastermind who just looks like a big eared retard hiding behind family money and power stained with so many others blood.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on August 31, 2013, 01:15:26 AM
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.

BTW Simon, exactly what made W a moron?   

How could that moron be the only US President to earn an MBA from Harvard? 


And believe it or not, I am not a Bush ( Sr or Jr) fan, both are part of the DC elite IMHO.  Just trying to get the specifics of how he became a moron.
Bush was a moron because the left and the press say that he was. This is what the left does to anyone on the right that dares to become president. Why debate his policies or wisdom of his actions based on facts when it is easier to call him a name.

On the other hand the current temporary resident of the white house is hailed by the left and the press as a genius. At least they are consistent, this judgement is obviously not based on facts either.
Yes those poor Republicans..... Beaten up by the whole media industry, all media firmly being in the pockets of the communist left.... I'm sure that FOX network is a front for the trade union movement..... Bahahaha ha  :D
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 31, 2013, 11:20:08 AM
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.
Apart from his public speaking ? Well let me think.....weapons of mass distraction, resulting in the invasion of Iraq, invading Afganistan which has historically gone so well for the Russians and the British, banning gay marriages, ....his involvement and profiteering from the Emron bankruptcy , ensuring the Bin Laden family members were promptly allowed to leave the US after 9/11 without questioning. Maybe you are correct he may not be a moron but a national and international criminal mastermind who just looks like a big eared retard hiding behind family money and power stained with so many others blood.



Yes, check out public speaking.  How many of these have you seen? 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PohZGihC-to (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PohZGihC-to)



Funny how Bush's gaffes are main stream news, but most of you probably never have seen these by the media. 



And Obama can't even speak for himself:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCyPAaubENE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCyPAaubENE)


And let's compare speaking styles to school children:


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on August 31, 2013, 11:32:16 AM
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.
Apart from his public speaking ? Well let me think.....weapons of mass distraction, resulting in the invasion of Iraq, invading Afganistan which has historically gone so well for the Russians and the British, banning gay marriages, ....his involvement and profiteering from the Emron bankruptcy , ensuring the Bin Laden family members were promptly allowed to leave the US after 9/11 without questioning. Maybe you are correct he may not be a moron but a national and international criminal mastermind who just looks like a big eared retard hiding behind family money and power stained with so many others blood.



Yes, check out public speaking.  How many of these have you seen? 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PohZGihC-to (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PohZGihC-to)



Funny how Bush's gaffes are main stream news, but most of you probably never have seen these by the media. 



And Obama can't even speak for himself:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCyPAaubENE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCyPAaubENE)


And let's compare speaking styles to school children:
After what I wrote this is your answer? Lets hope George won't get fooled again!....
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 31, 2013, 12:15:28 PM
Not a fan, but I guess I just loathed Bush jnr for the moron he is.
Apart from his public speaking ? Well let me think.....weapons of mass distraction, resulting in the invasion of Iraq, invading Afganistan which has historically gone so well for the Russians and the British, banning gay marriages, ....his involvement and profiteering from the Emron bankruptcy , ensuring the Bin Laden family members were promptly allowed to leave the US after 9/11 without questioning. Maybe you are correct he may not be a moron but a national and international criminal mastermind who just looks like a big eared retard hiding behind family money and power stained with so many others blood.



Yes, check out public speaking.  How many of these have you seen? 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PohZGihC-to (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PohZGihC-to)



Funny how Bush's gaffes are main stream news, but most of you probably never have seen these by the media. 



And Obama can't even speak for himself:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCyPAaubENE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCyPAaubENE)


And let's compare speaking styles to school children:

Don't even bother Urleft.. All this guy wants to do is talk shit and F**k with people.  He's having a ball just pulling you chain.. By the way Speros.. when's the last time you were in the United States?  OK Speros you hate Bush and we can't stand Obama. Let's just leave it at that. How about we get back on topic here.  Urleft.. from what I can see the rate is fluctuating a bit but it seems to be slowly creeping upward.  It's as high as I've seen it in a while.  So that looks like a good thing
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 31, 2013, 12:55:38 PM
There are reports of the Thai economy on a downturn, as such it is logical that other currencies will get healther. 

I also believe the Thai rice market is going to crash, the Thai GVT can only prop it up so long, and Thailand is losing its international rice market share.  Could be tough times ahead for the average Thai. 

Unfortunately at the same time Obama has so dorked up the middle east (making even Jimmy Carter almost looking smart) that the international markets are holding the USD back. 

However, I hope the USD is headed towards 34, as you check this thread history, was not long ago the rate was about 28 to 1.   To me the magic number to shoot for is 33.5 to 1 such that $30K = 1 Mil Baht. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on August 31, 2013, 01:16:32 PM
Not a good sign for the family in Thailand.. Pon's family are rice farmers but they have branched out into a number of other crops as well.  Hopefully, the rate will continue to go up but from what I've seen of the inflation rate in Thailand, the better rate may be offset by inflation.  This Syria situation could have some serious effects on the economies of many countries around the world..
And that includes the US and Thailand. 
As for Obama.. This guy's becoming more of loose cannon every day.. It's like stepping back to the days of Nixon.. Even parts of the left are turning on him.. I think it's only a matter of time before he comes off the rails entirely.. In the meantime he has the ability to cause enormous damage here and around the world.  God help us because I don't think there's anyone out there that's going to even try to put the brakes on him
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Alan on August 31, 2013, 08:29:38 PM
USA this USA that any guess what the USA are gunna do next??????????????? knuppel2
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on September 01, 2013, 10:42:08 AM
Hopefully this ghetto savage we call president will get checked by congress.  Just remember, higher numbers for westerners means worse economy for the natives.  They are having a hard enough time as it is.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on September 01, 2013, 12:19:14 PM
After what went on today I have faith that congress say no to him. We already have demonstrations breaking out on the streets against the use of military intervention in Syria.  The PEOPLE here... The silent majority are no longer silent.. They're not only speaking now but they're screaming at the top of their lungs at their elected representatives, many of whom got a real ear full when they went home on break this time.  By the time congress is back in session this movement should have a full head of steam.  So I really don't think that congress is going to authorize the use of military force against Syria.. Then it's up to his majesty Obama what he will do.. Maybe.... Jussst maybe... the egos in Washington are beginning to realize that the Empire is Dead.  The people here have had enough of useless wars that accomplish nothing.. To put it in the words of the gangsters here... It's bad for business...
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on September 01, 2013, 12:24:55 PM
I wish there was a way to "like" a post.  Good post Voodoo.  I agree. redman thumbup
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on September 01, 2013, 12:28:30 PM
Voodoo, the only thing I disagree with is calling Obama "his majesty."  The majesty is clearly only in his mind, and recognizing him as any type of majesty is no bueno.   
Disclaimer:  the opinions expressed in this post are soley the opinion of the poster. Obviously not very impressed with Obama. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Speros on September 01, 2013, 02:46:27 PM
After what went on today I have faith that congress say no to him. We already have demonstrations breaking out on the streets against the use of military intervention in Syria.  The PEOPLE here... The silent majority are no longer silent.. They're not only speaking now but they're screaming at the top of their lungs at their elected representatives, many of whom got a real ear full when they went home on break this time.  By the time congress is back in session this movement should have a full head of steam.  So I really don't think that congress is going to authorize the use of military force against Syria.. Then it's up to his majesty Obama what he will do.. Maybe.... Jussst maybe... the egos in Washington are beginning to realize that the Empire is Dead.  The people here have had enough of useless wars that accomplish nothing.. To put it in the words of the gangsters here... It's bad for business...
Scooby do..... I thought you wanted to get back on the subject, yes I'm sure everyone is sick of wars.... Lets not forget who started the invasions... But of course Bush already declared victory... buttslap
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 01, 2013, 08:39:52 PM
After what went on today I have faith that congress say no to him. We already have demonstrations breaking out on the streets against the use of military intervention in Syria.  The PEOPLE here... The silent majority are no longer silent.. They're not only speaking now but they're screaming at the top of their lungs at their elected representatives, many of whom got a real ear full when they went home on break this time.  By the time congress is back in session this movement should have a full head of steam.  So I really don't think that congress is going to authorize the use of military force against Syria.. Then it's up to his majesty Obama what he will do.. Maybe.... Jussst maybe... the egos in Washington are beginning to realize that the Empire is Dead.  The people here have had enough of useless wars that accomplish nothing.. To put it in the words of the gangsters here... It's bad for business...
Scooby do..... I thought you wanted to get back on the subject, yes I'm sure everyone is sick of wars.... Lets not forget who started the invasions... But of course Bush already declared victory... buttslap

Bush (either one) is a Washington elitist that while trying to do the right thing, listened too much to idiots instead of "going for the nuts" and literally decaring war on the enemy. 

Implement my plan to fix things:


1.  Recind defining the War Office as Department of Defense. I want a Deparment of War.
2.  Make congress declare war, if you aren't ready to go to war, don't do it. 
3.  Unconditional surrender.  That is the objective, nothing less will work
4.  There will be no safe havens or free borders.  When we pursue the enemy everywhere.  If you give them safe have, you are the enemy.   


I bet if is this is done once, the world will become a quiet place. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on September 01, 2013, 10:18:51 PM
Nice thought but there's just too much profit in war.. Ask the Russians.. Ask the bottom feeders that made billions prolonging the Vietnam war at the cost of 58,000 lives.. but it would be nice to see it done right if it had to be done at all..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 23, 2013, 06:39:39 PM
Well the USD is back in the tanking mode.

All indicies had the USD under 31 to 1 this weekend.  Big fall from all being over 32 to 1 recently. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on November 14, 2013, 09:17:21 AM
Now back to the untanking, and the reason why: 

 moneysmile

Foreign investors' extended retreat has raised their net-sell position in the Thai stock market so far this month to Bt18.7 billion, amid the raging political chaos at home and rising volatility in the global financial market.
 
Yesterday alone, foreign investors sold Thai shares worth Bt10.2 billion against purchases of Bt5.9 billion, resulting in net sales of Bt4.28 billion. This followed the Bt3.3 billion in net sales on Tuesday and over Bt1 billion on Monday. The year-to-date net-sell has ballooned to Bt123.95 billion. Global funds have also pulled some investment from Thai equities this month.

The baht opened at 31.61 per US dollar before closing at 31.60. On Monday, it fell as far as 31.705, the weakest level since September 18. The baht has given up 1.5 per cent over the past two weeks.

Besides the prolonged political protests, and despite the call from the private sector for all demonstrations to end, the baht was also marching along with other Asian currencies as investors waited for a clearer sign on the beginning of "tapering" in the US.

New Federal Reserve chairwoman Janet Yellen will appear before US senators today to defend her nomination as Fed policy-makers debate whether the stimulus policy known as quantitative easing is still needed to shore up the world's largest economy.
 
The greenback rose against the Singaporean dollar, Taiwanese |dollar, South Korean won, Indian rupee and Philippine peso.
 
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said on Tuesday in Washington that emerging markets are likely to see considerably more impact from higher US interest rates when the Fed pulls back from its massive monetary stimulus.
 
In May, then Fed chairman Bernanke shocked emerging markets when he raised the possibility that the US central bank could soon embark on a drawdown in its bond-buying programme. Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia were particularly hard hit by capital outflows after Bernanke's comment.
 
"We think we've seen about a third of the overall increase in interest rates responding to that first announcement," Kim said.
 
"As US interest rates go up, what we're going to see is it will be even more difficult to get access to the kind of capital for infrastructure investment that developing economies need."
 
Prasarn Trairatvorakul, governor of the Bank of Thailand, insisted that there was no irregularity in capital outflows from the country. Movements in the stock and bond markets as well as in foreign exchange rates remained "orderly". There was no special concern that required action from the central bank.
 
"Overall, the condition is in order," he said, implying that all the proceeds from the dumping of Thai shares and bonds have not yet left the country.

Foreign investors are just keeping a close eye on the unfolding political situation.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Foreigners-pull-money-out-of-Thai-stocks-and-bonds-30219536.html (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Foreigners-pull-money-out-of-Thai-stocks-and-bonds-30219536.html)
 


 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on November 14, 2013, 10:59:13 AM
Love for it to hit 38 again....
 screwy
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on November 27, 2013, 10:16:46 AM
Super Rich just posted 32 to 1 USD. 

Wooo wooo, hope it continues that way for a while as opposed to the drop back.  But still much better than the April rate.  I was able to 19000 baht out of the ATM on my US Bank with a $600 limit. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on November 27, 2013, 10:34:19 AM

I also believe the Thai rice market is going to crash, the Thai GVT can only prop it up so long, and Thailand is losing its international rice market share.  Could be tough times ahead for the average Thai. 


Well I don't think the crash will come this year.  However, Thailand needs us to keep drinking as that lastest alcohol tax is what is sustaining the Thai rice market. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on November 27, 2013, 11:36:07 PM
Wooo, continues to be good for me (I hope):


Baht below 32 amid protests

 http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Baht-below-32-amid-protests-30220724.html (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Baht-below-32-amid-protests-30220724.html)

The Nation November 27, 2013 3:18 pm

The Thai baht has weakened below 32 per US dollar on Wednesday amid protests in Bangkok.

 At the open, it was 32.08 per dollar, weakening by 0.25 per cent from yesterday and 3.05 per cent from the end of October.

 It also weakened 0.34 per cent and 0.22 per cent against the euro and Japanese yen.

 The currency is now traded at a two-month low, as the Finance Ministry could not raise as much as expected from bond sale. Yesterday, the ministry sold only Bt37 billion of government-backed bonds.

 According to the Public Debt Management Office, the bonds were also sold at a yield that was higher than market rates.

 The baht yesterday fell to 32.110 per dollar, the weakest level since September 11. It managed to climb above the $/Bt32 level at the close. The Finance Ministry has been occupied by anti-government protesters since Monday.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on November 28, 2013, 07:14:33 AM
The GBP is at its highest level in almost 4 years
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on December 20, 2013, 08:23:28 PM
WOW!!!!!!!

Superrich, 32.55 to $1.   Wooo woooo   Good time to consider transferring money.   

All Thai banks over 32 for denominations over $50.   

Check it out:  http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on December 26, 2013, 12:29:47 PM
Outflows could weaken baht to 34 per greenback next quarter: KBank   moneysmile

 

SUCHEERA PINIJPARAKARN
 THE NATION December 26, 2013 1:00 am

THE BAHT COULD depreciate to 34 against the US dollar next quarter because funds are moving out of emerging markets to developed economies, according to Kasikornbank.

 "The baht's movement in 2014 is hard to predict, but when fund flows are changing from emerging markets to developed markets, one thing that will happen is that the cost of US dollar funds will increase," Thiti Tantikulanan, head of capital markets business at KBank, said yesterday.

 Excluding the Indonesian rupiah and the Indian rupee, the baht and yen depreciated the most at 2.8 per cent a month ago, followed by the ringgit at 2.3 per cent and the Singapore dollar at 1.3 per cent.

 The baht was driven to 33 by the uncertainty in the home market, especially the political unrest.

 That was faster than the market expected. KBank had expected the baht to hit 33 by the end of next year.

 The baht was at 34 in September 2009. Bank of Thailand Deputy Governor Pongpen Ruengvirayudh said the baht-dollar exchange rate next month was expected to be volatile because of the political instability. Foreign-capital inflows are tapering off as investors wait on the sidelines to see what develops politically. The baht is still weakening from the continuing outflows, but less capital is leaving, partly because of the New Year season.

 The baht's movement next year will dependent mainly on the domestic situation, Pongpen said.

 The unclear political picture must be closely tracked because this will greatly influence where the baht is heading next month, she added.

 However, Thiti of KBank said liquidity in the local market was not a problem despite the capital outflows, as foreign holdings in Thai bonds have stayed steady at Bt700 billion, even thought the 10-year yield here was not as attractive as the corresponding US yield. Foreign holdings in Thai bonds surged to Bt700 billion this year from Bt70 billion in early 2011.

 "Thailand in one of the investment-index markets for foreign investors. They might prefer their investment meeting the benchmark rather than getting an absolute return, while Thai bond holdings by foreigners are low at only 11-12 per cent," he said.

 The market should closely track the economic figures of the United States and that country's tapering of its quantitative easing programme in the next two months. If US economic figures improve, its Federal Reserve might taper its bond buying more than it said it would, and the tapering might happen quicker than expected.

 The US central bank early this month said it would reduce its US$85-billion-a-month bond purchases by $10 billion starting in January.

 The baht might appreciate if US economic figures do not show improvement, such as the unemployment rate.

 Thai corporations are planning to issue bonds even though their cost of funds is likely to rise. New bond issues next year are expected to total Bt350 billion, Thiti said.

 The high cost of the dollar is also an issue for the Fed because the recovery in the US economy is not guaranteed to be strong.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Outflows-could-weaken-baht-to-34-per-greenback-nex-30222938.html (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Outflows-could-weaken-baht-to-34-per-greenback-nex-30222938.html)
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on December 27, 2013, 11:21:12 AM
The GBP IS NEARLY UP TO 54!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on February 13, 2014, 07:57:59 PM
Well the USD peaked at just over 33 to $1 several weeks ago.  It seems to be in the slide mode.  However it is still well above 32 to $1 which was a very good breakthrough, current rate are just under 32.5 to $1. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on February 13, 2014, 10:11:49 PM
Time to make a transfer....
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on February 13, 2014, 10:36:58 PM
Time to make a transfer....

Wish I at least had a SWAG (scientific Wild Assed Guess), but between the Obama screwing up the US Economy and the Thailand Rice Subsity fiasco, I am really unsure of where the USD will go. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: F1ART on February 14, 2014, 03:08:24 AM
I know where the USD will end up!
With the wife!  :D
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on February 18, 2014, 06:40:14 PM
Well the rate has really slid, yesterday super rich was at 32.15 to $1.   However, the USD seems on a rebound. 

This may be a factor:   



GSB bank chief admits unusual cash withdrawals today

inBusiness|February 17, 2014(699 views)

Government Savings Bank (GSB) director Worawit Chailimpamontri admitted of unusual cash withdrawals by customers today after its announcement of interbank loan extension to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).


He said he was informed of unusual withdrawals of cash from all bank branches today and was believed to come from the loan extension.

But he said that the bank has tried to explain to misunderstood customers that the loan it provided to BAAC was not to support the rice pledging scheme, and the bank would never involve directly in the rice pledging scheme.
 
He made clear that the latest loan extension through interbank channel was a normal practice which it had used over a decade and never had a problem.
 
He said that the extension to BAAC is a short-term loan not exceeding 30 days, while reaffirming that the 5 billion baht loan was to strengthen the BAAC’s liquidity same as to other banks.
 
However, he said that the extension could be revised if there is a bank rush to withdraw money from the bank, adding the bank could still handle the situation while the rush would be short-lived or just 1-2 days.
 
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/gsb-bank-chief-admits-unusual-cash-withdrawals-today/ (http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/gsb-bank-chief-admits-unusual-cash-withdrawals-today/)
 
Current rate 32.37 to $1. 
 

 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on February 19, 2014, 08:31:45 AM
The GBP is still coming back!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on February 19, 2014, 10:22:19 AM
Good news for most of us, except those being paid in Baht (e.g., teachers). 

Unfortunately a follow on to the GVT issue are riots with 4 killed.  Not the stimulas I had expected (wished for) to plunge the Baht.  However, it seems to support my "sky is falling" projection on the rice subsity:   

Four killed in Thai clashes; PM to face charges over rice scheme
By Athit Perawongmetha and Damir Sagolj

(Reuters) - Gun battles erupted between Thai police and anti-government protesters in Bangkok on Tuesday and four people were killed and dozens wounded as authorities made their most determined effort yet to clear demonstrators from the streets.

In a day of tangled developments in Thailand's long-running political crisis, the country's anti-corruption body announced it was filing charges against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra relating to a rice subsidy scheme that has fuelled middle-class opposition to her government.

The troubled rice scheme, already near collapse, suffered another blow when the Government Savings Bank (GSB) said it was scrapping a loan to a state farm bank that could have been used to prop the scheme up in the face of a revolt by depositors.

 The clashes were some of most intense between protesters and security forces since the campaign to unseat Yingluck began in November. The military, which has said it would intervene if police are unable to control security in the capital, has not publicly commented on the violence.

The protests are the latest installment of an eight-year political battle broadly pitting the Bangkok middle class and royalist establishment against the poorer, mostly rural supporters of Yingluck and her billionaire brother, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-thailand-protest-idUSBREA1H02220140218 (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-thailand-protest-idUSBREA1H02220140218)

 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on February 19, 2014, 11:48:56 AM
Xe 32.55  and 54.32
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 11, 2014, 09:04:11 AM
Just checking the exchange rate, it is now under 30, in some cases under 29. 


http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx (http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx)


Not sure why but the Day to Day exchange website is not working.  Too bad as it provided a great overview of the best exchange rates.   

While topping at 33 to $1 last month, for a weeks it hovered at 32.5 to $1.   Then it rate dropped to almost 32 to $1.  Looks like it is inching up again, just checked Super Rich which has the top rate of 32.37 to $1 

http://superrichthai.com/exchange.aspx (http://superrichthai.com/exchange.aspx)

Anyone have a link that compared with day to day? 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 18, 2014, 10:58:16 PM
One reason why the Baht has gotten stronger:



Baht climbs to three-month high
Published: 18 Mar 2014 at 15.56
Online news:
.
The baht climbed to a three-month high on Tuesday after the caretaker government approved lifting the state of emergency on Wednesday.

The baht climbed to a three-month high after the Cabinet approved the measure.
 
The currency rose for a fourth day, gaining 0.4% to 32.115 per dollar as of 1:50 p.m. in Bangkok. It touched 32.104 earlier Tuesday, the strongest level since Dec 18, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
 
The baht has advanced 1.1% in four days, paring its net loss to 3.1% since the anti-government protests began on Oct 31.
 
"Easing political concern in Thailand is providing support for the baht," said Tsutomu Soma, manager of the fixed-income business unit at Rakuten Securities Inc in Tokyo. "The baht also benefited from improving global risk sentiment as the fading threat of conflict in Ukraine helped boost stocks."
 
Thailand's economy may record zero growth or contract this year should the political unrest continue, Thai Chamber of Commerce chairman Isara Vongkusolkit said at a news conference on Tuesday. Expansion is forecast at 2% to 3% in 2014 if a new government can be formed in the third quarter, he said.
 
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Yukol Limlamthong said the emergency decree, which was imposed on Jan 22, would be ended Wednesday, three days before it was scheduled to expire automatically on March 23.
 
Authorities will continue to use the Internal Security Act to control anti-government protests, he said. Thailand's benchmark share gauge rallied for a fourth day after the Standard & Poors Index of US stocks rose 1% on Monday.
 
One-month implied volatility in the baht, a measure of expected moves in the exchange rate used to price options, fell one basis point, or 0.01 percentage point, to 6.5%.
 
The yield on the 3.625% sovereign bonds due June 2023 rose three basis points to 3.69%, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The yield reached 3.65% on Monday, the lowest level since June 2013.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/400493/baht-climbs-to-three-month-high
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 19, 2014, 11:19:23 AM
Day to Day rate tracker site back working:

http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx


32.05 to $1  current on super rich. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 20, 2014, 06:55:05 PM
Well not sure what happened here but rate this morning was 32.1 to $1, it jumped to 32.32 to $1.   

Wow. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 09, 2014, 09:24:08 AM
Had a brief uplift of the rates, But the rates are headed south again.

Super rich just posted 32.13 to $1. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 17, 2014, 04:57:47 PM
Well he is some possible good news if you need to move money to Thailand.  And not good if you work for Baht. 


Thailand Recession Possible, Baht May Move Lower


Posted by: : Shayne HeffernanPosted on: April 15, 2014

Thailand Recession Possible, Baht May Move Lower
 
Baht may see 40 to 1 USD.
 
The Royal Bank of Thailand has cut the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.0 percent, the lowest since December 2010 and expects the economy to shrink. If that trend continues for another quarter, Thailand would be in recession for the first time since early 2009.
 
Royal Bank of Thailand chief Prasarn Trairatvorakul last week said a big rate cut wouldn’t help the economy plagued by both a lack of confidence and a policy vacuum.
 
Parliament remains empty after a Feb. 2 election was disrupted, leaving Yingluck heading a caretaker government.
 
The Constitutional Court has not helped. It has ruled consistently against Yingluck’s party, annulled an election it probably won and declared illegal a 2 trillion baht infrastructure spending plan.
 
The Board of Investment says projects worth about 660 billion baht have been on ice, awaiting approval by a new committee the caretaker government has been unable to appoint.
 
The government is at its weakest and any administration that replaces it is almost certain to face the same kind of opposition, meaning many more months of weak business for retailers, the tourism sector and exporters.
 
Hotel occupancy has been hovering at about 50 percent, down from the usual 80 percent and exports grew just 0.2 percent in the first two months compared with a year earlier.
 
Tisco Bank cut its forecast for domestic car sales this year to about 900,000 vehicles from a range of 1.1 million to 1.2 million, even with a host of zero-interest loans offered by car dealers.
 
Some Thai companies are looking to expand abroad. Handset distributor Jay Mart said it may revise its target of 35 percent growth this year and aimed to tap high demand in neighboring Myanmar, as Thailand’s appetite for top-end smartphones sags.
 
According to market research group Gfk, consumers have been choosing cheaper models from Nokia and iMobile since the protests began, with Apple’s sales down from 127,000 units in November to 100,600 in February.
 
“People aren’t in the mood for shopping,” said Kridchanok Patamasatayasonthi, managing director of homes and furniture firm Index Living Mall. “They don’t know what’s going to happen, or whether we’re going to have riots in the city … they want to make sure they don’t overspend right now.”

http://www.livetradingnews.com/thailand-recession-possible-baht-may-move-lower-44020.htm#.U031z1VgtDQ (http://www.livetradingnews.com/thailand-recession-possible-baht-may-move-lower-44020.htm#.U031z1VgtDQ)
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on April 18, 2014, 07:02:17 AM
Sounds like the good times could be returning!!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 08, 2014, 10:39:53 AM
Been a recent surge, 32.38 Baht to $1 at super rich within the past hour.   

Been hovering mostly around 32.1-2 the last month or so.  And has been really weird with no detectable pattern I saw. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 08, 2014, 10:53:54 AM
Actually I do not find it weird. In 2006 the coup to outs Mr.T did little to the exchange rate so did expect much on this. At posting XE 32.44  TT 32.32 There is movement in our favor BUT the US economics still stinks.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: JasonB on May 08, 2014, 02:36:49 PM
It should be 50Baht to the dollar.The economy here is shot,3 price rises in the last year alone on chicken.pork,and many other things,inflation up,no one running the place,massive government debt,raping and pilaging by those that can (politicans) so there's no money to pay the rice farmers etc etc etc.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 08, 2014, 06:33:12 PM
Actually I do not find it weird. In 2006 the coup to outs Mr.T did little to the exchange rate so did expect much on this. At posting XE 32.44  TT 32.32 There is movement in our favor BUT the US economics still stinks.

Still going to shake Obama's hand for fixing the economy? 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 08, 2014, 06:34:47 PM
Well, another small jump, 32.42 to $1.   

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on May 08, 2014, 07:01:04 PM
It should be 50Baht to the dollar.The economy here is shot,3 price rises in the last year alone on chicken.pork,and many other things,inflation up,no one running the place,massive government debt,raping and pilaging by those that can (politicans) so there's no money to pay the rice farmers etc etc etc.
I don't know where you shop..........Chicken is at its lowest level in 12 months...Prawns have dropped by 70 baht/kilo recently..........Pork has stepped back in the last 3 weeks..........BEEF is the one that has rocketed .....120 baht/kilo 3 years ago...........now 260baht/kilo
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 08, 2014, 08:00:40 PM
Well, another small jump, 32.42 to $1.


Supper Bitch 32.42 Punters,tourist

TT  32.35 electronic transfer,most of us.

Xe 32.49 those that play the Internationale exchange.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 08, 2014, 08:58:05 PM

Supper Bitch 32.42 Punters,tourist

TT  32.35 electronic transfer,most of us.

Xe 32.49 those that play the Internationale exchange.

Thank you for that commentary. 

However, the reason I quote super rich is because they are usually the leader in posting rate changes.  So tomorrow morning (Thailand time) I would expect the TT rates to exceed the Super Rich rates for notes. 

I monitor this because I need to transfer a large about of funds to Thailand and want to try to time it maximizing the exchange rate.  I did that earlier this year and got a rate of 32.87 to $1.  Here's hoping for another upsurge.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 08, 2014, 09:32:29 PM
I think the banks are closed tomorrow so I do not expect any action till Monday. Xe out of Singapore will be active. Your transfer rate will hing on your bank in Thailand. Also May 13 banks are closed. moneysmile

I find the TT rate and SR cash rate close but normally the TT rate is just off it.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 08, 2014, 10:25:21 PM
I actually have about a 60 day window before I will need the money, and can probably even fudge that. 

So I am checking twice daily.  Also that transferring on Friday is a gamble because it won't be processed in Thailand until the next bank open day.   

However, if the rate spikes at an opportune time I am prepped to take advantage of it.  But Thanks for the 13 May imput as that could affect what I do. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: davu on May 09, 2014, 06:50:36 AM
Just to put things into perspective (and make me feel better) the Swiss Frank which one year ago was at 30.5 is now flirting with 37.0.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 09, 2014, 09:27:31 AM
I actually have about a 60 day window before I will need the money, and can probably even fudge that. 

So I am checking twice daily.  Also that transferring on Friday is a gamble because it won't be processed in Thailand until the next bank open day.   

However, if the rate spikes at an opportune time I am prepped to take advantage of it.  But Thanks for the 13 May imput as that could affect what I do.

Were both keeping an eye on it.

xe 32.53  SR 32.42  TT 32.42 banks r open today.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 09, 2014, 09:29:40 AM

Supper Bitch 32.42 Punters,tourist

TT  32.35 electronic transfer,most of us.

Xe 32.49 those that play the Internationale exchange.

Thank you for that commentary. 

However, the reason I quote super rich is because they are usually the leader in posting rate changes.  So tomorrow morning (Thailand time) I would expect the TT rates to exceed the Super Rich rates for notes. 

I monitor this because I need to transfer a large about of funds to Thailand and want to try to time it maximizing the exchange rate.  I did that earlier this year and got a rate of 32.87 to $1.  Here's hoping for another upsurge.




The TT rates are Being posted, 32.43 to $1, which exceeds Super Rich.  Exactly what I expected/predicted. 

http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx (http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx)
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 09, 2014, 09:34:01 AM

Supper Bitch 32.42 Punters,tourist

TT  32.35 electronic transfer,most of us.

Xe 32.49 those that play the Internationale exchange.

Thank you for that commentary. 

However, the reason I quote super rich is because they are usually the leader in posting rate changes.  So tomorrow morning (Thailand time) I would expect the TT rates to exceed the Super Rich rates for notes. 

I monitor this because I need to transfer a large about of funds to Thailand and want to try to time it maximizing the exchange rate.  I did that earlier this year and got a rate of 32.87 to $1.  Here's hoping for another upsurge.




The TT rates are Being posted, 32.43 to $1, which exceeds Super Rich.  Exactly what I expected/predicted. 

http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx (http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx)

Not for long sunshine...SB is now 32.45 boxingguy
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 09, 2014, 09:38:28 AM
Which IMHO means the TT rates will continue to rise.  Especially with Siam Commercial leading the TT, they are normally low. 

However, with the weekend coming up and a bank holiday on the 13th, I am not going to do anything until things settle after that. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 09, 2014, 10:06:55 AM
Which IMHO means the TT rates will continue to rise.  Especially with Siam Commercial leading the TT, they are normally low. 

However, with the weekend coming up and a bank holiday on the 13th, I am not going to do anything until things settle after that.

Jolly good show my dear man jolly good show. oldmanwithstick moneysmile
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 12, 2014, 09:34:43 AM
Both Super rich and TT at 32.55 to $1.  Will be interesting to see where it is on Wednesday. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on May 12, 2014, 10:19:40 AM
Payday tomorrow so lets hope it doesnt collapse today 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 12, 2014, 10:23:07 AM
Remember the Thai banks are closed tomorrow, 13 May. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 21, 2014, 07:13:15 AM
Interesting, the Article claims the Baht USD exchange rate at 32.76 per US dollar.  I'm not seeing that on day to day, more like 32.44 to $1, both notes and TT.
 


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/No-intervention-by-central-bank-as-baht-weakens-fo-30234130.html (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/No-intervention-by-central-bank-as-baht-weakens-fo-30234130.html)


No intervention by central bank as baht weakens following military's move

 

Erich Parpart
 Sucheera Pinijparakarn
 
The Nation
 
May 21, 2014 1:00 am

The Bank of Thailand will not intervene in the market despite the baht's fluctuation following the declaration of martial law yesterday.

Spokeswoman Roong Mallikamas said the country's banks and the financial markets were operating normally, although there had been some panic in the currency and stock markets in the morning due to the military's move.

"Some investors may have been panicked at the start of the market on May 20, but after the situation was assessed and the news digested, their concerns lessened," she said.

The baht dropped to 32.76 per US dollar yesterday, weakening 0.95 per cent from 32.45 the previous day.

Roong said reduced concern among investors over the political crisis was expected to result in a rapid correction in the currency and bond markets, while the overall impact of martial law on the economy remained to be seen.

Meanwhile, the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said the declaration of martial law would only have an impact on the economy in the short term, and it urged the military to provide clarification for foreigners so that they had a better understanding of the situation.

The MPC said current monetary policy was adequate for the economic situation, and that it would not intervene in any way since the policy interest rate was still able to simulate the economy.

Political instability is still playing the main role as the true adversary of the economy, the panel added.

MPC member Siri Karncharoendee said the declaration of martial law should bring about some positive changes in the political situation, provided it could put an end to protests from all sides.

"I truly hope martial law can rapidly bring back the rule of law and peace to the country. In the beginning, foreign investors might look at us in a negative way, but this will only be short term because if we can provide some understanding and the need for the law, we can really benefit from it greatly since the country and economy can finally move forward," he said.

Amonthep Chawla, head of CIMB Thai Bank's research office, said that while it was too early to predict the outcome for the economy, there should be a short-term impact in terms of foreign tourists' confidence.

The depreciation trend of the baht is expected to rebound shortly, in line with the region, although the unit's movement is affected more by external factors, he said.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) also experienced some fluctuation yesterday, with the main index falling 22 points in morning trading, before recovering to a drop of 15.94 points and closing on 1,394.69 points. Trading value was Bt43.25 billion.

Foreign investors recorded net sales worth Bt8.33 billion.

Brokerages KT-Zmico Securities and Globlex Securities commented that the SET fall was only a short-term phenomenon, since there was hope of some clarity in the political situation in the next two weeks.

They believe the falling index was largely due to concerns among some foreign investors, who downsized their investment portfolio in the belief that they could not invest in a country under martial law.

TRIS Rating said martial law would have a short-term negative impact on Thai corporate ratings, since most rating companies view it as having a negative impact on confidence.

However, it does not mean they will lower the country's rating right away, it said.

"If you read Moody's report, it did not say whether they would lower the country's rating due to the political situation, but they are trying to say that the political situation will affect the confidence level.

"If we look at the balanced budget target, not only Moody but S&P and other rating institutions also consider rating based on such a target and, when there is a situation such as this, these institutions will see it as negative - and they might consider it as a potentially negative factor more than lowering the country's rating right away," said Santi Kiranand, president of TRIS Rating.
 
 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 24, 2014, 09:54:59 PM
No this is interesting, according to Bloomberg the coup is stabalizing the Baht. 



The baht rose 0.2 percent against the U.S. dollar to 32.546 as of 12:43 p.m. in Bangkok. The benchmark SET Index (SET) fell 1.5 percent to 1,384.46, the most since May 8, after earlier falling as much as 2.1 percent. Stocks linked to the Thaksin family declined, with SC Asset Corp. Pcl down 5.1 percent.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-22/thai-military-chief-announces-coup-after-imposing-martial-law.html (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-22/thai-military-chief-announces-coup-after-imposing-martial-law.html)
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: JasonB on May 24, 2014, 11:29:34 PM
Some in the financial world feel that it will be a "stability" step so that will strengthen the economy,BS me thinks.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: JasonB on May 24, 2014, 11:31:30 PM
Oh,and Urleft I don't believe Thaksin has owned that company for years,If memory serves correctly.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 27, 2014, 03:18:42 PM
The TT rate are inching up, just saw 32.5 to $1.  With the coup happening not only on a weekend, but a US Holiday weekend (Monday was Memorial Day), US Banks (and Wall Street) have not really had a chance to respond.

Should be interesting to see if there is a surge in the rates tomorrow.  The US GVT has already stopped military aid to Thailand, so that implies a negative US GVT view. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 29, 2014, 10:08:55 AM
No dramatic moves, but some decline in the baht, super rich at 32.6 to $1.   

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 29, 2014, 10:32:37 AM
As I post..Xe 32.73  TT 32.61
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on May 29, 2014, 12:03:30 PM
A question for those that have been here for quite a long time... Any thoughts on how far the baht is going to slide?  What's your take on it GL?
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on May 29, 2014, 12:16:01 PM
The last time this happened it didnt effect it at all. Its not moving now also.. when the coup started the British pound was 54.6 and its still the same now... Coups dont seem to make the currency move that much...
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: smoooth2 on May 29, 2014, 12:38:14 PM
A question for those that have been here for quite a long time... Any thoughts on how far the baht is going to slide?  What's your take on it GL?

Voodoo ... you might like to have a look at www.xe.com

It's a currency conversion website. They have a very useful graph of currency fluctuations between any two currencies you wish to choose.

You can choose any time period from 1hr to 10 years

Click on Tools ... then Currency Charts

Might give you an idea of what happened last time there was a Coup. Cheers
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on May 29, 2014, 01:06:14 PM
Thanks for the help Smooth2.. I'll check that site..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 29, 2014, 01:22:55 PM
A question for those that have been here for quite a long time... Any thoughts on how far the baht is going to slide?  What's your take on it GL?

It did not slide drastically in 06 and I do not see it happening this time.

As I post xe  32.73
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 29, 2014, 01:46:47 PM
I still believe someday the unsustainable Rice Subsidy is going to cause a major devalue in the Baht. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: JasonB on May 29, 2014, 03:05:44 PM
For you Urleft
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Baht-unlikely-to-weaken-to-37-CLSA-30234340.html
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 29, 2014, 03:33:44 PM
There maybe some more movement but as of now,not bad. Xe 32.77 TT 32.67

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 02, 2014, 09:44:09 PM
Will be interesting. I am transferring money to Buriram as I post this.  The rate at the bank is 32.77 for TT.

Now, just have to see how much they actually give me. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on June 02, 2014, 09:50:40 PM
Will be interesting. I am transferring money to Buriram as I post this.  The rate at the bank is 32.77 for TT.

Now, just have to see how much they actually give me.

 moneysmile moneysmile moneysmile moneysmile
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 02, 2014, 10:02:33 PM
I would rather have waited to see how the baht does in the next few weeks.  Unfortunately 3 different credit cards refused a purchase, caused me to dip into my Thai money. 


Meaning I had to transfer funds this week,  however, the TT rate today is a lot better than several weeks ago.  So by waiting to transfer, I am going to do better. 

But I have no prediction on exchange rates as both Thailand the US are lying on international exchanges.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 04, 2014, 11:43:56 PM
Baht has stregthened a bit to 32.56 to $1.   

Would have liked to get the rate in 32.7* area, unfortunately that happened at a weekend where I could not take advantage of it. 

However, I did get a rate of 32.66 to $1 which is  better than the 32.4 rates of just a few week ago.  That difference will pay for a few extra cases of Magners. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on June 05, 2014, 10:24:01 AM
Urleft, do you use BKK Bank for the transfer?
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 05, 2014, 07:09:21 PM
Urleft, do you use BKK Bank for the transfer?

For a large international transfer I use Siam Commercial.  If I need to have ATM money I use Bangkok Bank with a bank to bank electronic transfer. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 06, 2014, 07:17:22 PM
Well the Baht is gaining again, luckily I transferred on Tuesday and got some extra.     


Currently TT is about 32.43 to $1.     Thats a .34 drop from a week ago. 



Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on June 06, 2014, 08:03:17 PM
Well the Baht is gaining again, luckily I transferred on Tuesday and got some extra.     


Currently TT is about 32.43 to $1.     Thats a .34 drop from a week ago.

I think that is a good thing - maybe suggests that the coup is being viewed positively.


I don't think we are going to see USD 40 or GBP 60............................................. unfortunately.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on June 06, 2014, 08:25:45 PM
Well the Baht is gaining again, luckily I transferred on Tuesday and got some extra.     


Currently TT is about 32.43 to $1.     Thats a .34 drop from a week ago.

I think that is a good thing - maybe suggests that the coup is being viewed positively.


I don't think we are going to see USD 40 or GBP 60............................................. unfortunately.



Be lucky 2 C 33 and 55
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on June 06, 2014, 08:51:17 PM
Well the Baht is gaining again, luckily I transferred on Tuesday and got some extra.     


Currently TT is about 32.43 to $1.     Thats a .34 drop from a week ago.

I think that is a good thing - maybe suggests that the coup is being viewed positively.


I don't think we are going to see USD 40 or GBP 60............................................. unfortunately.



Be lucky 2 C 33 and 55

I would settle for that GL - it was 45/46 not long ago.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on June 06, 2014, 08:56:14 PM
Well the Baht is gaining again, luckily I transferred on Tuesday and got some extra.     


Currently TT is about 32.43 to $1.     Thats a .34 drop from a week ago.

I think that is a good thing - maybe suggests that the coup is being viewed positively.


I don't think we are going to see USD 40 or GBP 60............................................. unfortunately.



Be lucky 2 C 33 and 55

I would settle for that GL - it was 45/46 not long ago.


Went lower than that co co.. Went down into the 43s at one point.. thank budda for yingluck though now 54
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 15, 2014, 09:00:53 PM
 I was chastised by someone on this forum for monitoring these fluxuations.   

However, while I did not get the high, I got enough.  I expect to see the TT rates on Monday about 32.2 to $1.   Glad I transferred when did. 

Hopefully I will not have make another significant transfer until December January, where I will again be monitoring the rates twice a day or more. 


My recommendation is that is you need to transfer a large amount do it when it is best for you, not when you have too. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 30, 2014, 07:46:16 PM
Well the rates seem to be hovering in a range of about 32.3 - 32.4 to $1.   No real movement.   


As the old guys mentioned, the previous coup had little effect on the rates, this appears to be the case here.   


However, this could be a really interesting December.   If the military suspends the rice subsidies expect some movement on the baht.  There may be a lot of unhappy Thais at the end of this year. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: smoooth2 on July 01, 2014, 02:29:10 PM
December !!

Holy moly ... that's a long way off Keith. At my age, I'm not game enough to buy green bananas  :biggrin:
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 10, 2014, 09:19:43 AM
Well the USD lost .3 baht in the past 2 days, basically down to 32 to $1.   Not sure what is causing the downturn. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on July 10, 2014, 09:29:51 AM
Well the USD lost .3 baht in the past 2 days, basically down to 32 to $1.   Not sure what is causing the downturn.

Artificial prop up of the baht or collision.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Simon on July 10, 2014, 09:31:13 AM
Yes the British pound has lost 0.5 over the last two days.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 21, 2014, 11:30:14 AM
Well looks like all banks and exchanges are under 32 to $1.   


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 22, 2014, 07:17:26 PM
Wow, falling more.   From basically 32 to $1, now at 31.75 to $1.   


Unless the TMB stops being spastic. 


As I said, I am planning a December Transfer. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on July 24, 2014, 03:32:13 AM
Its not looking good at this end.   moneysmile  Why December Urleft?
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 24, 2014, 09:12:53 AM
Because that is when the rice crop is harvested and a lot of farmers have to sell.  Before the coup the GVT had be paying more than the international market for rice.  If the military stops that Rice sckeme, I would expect the baht to fall. 

However, I have been wrong before. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 30, 2014, 10:25:55 PM
Unfortunately I am short on Thai funds.   So I have to transfer some money.   The TT rate is 31.85, so I will check what I get with a $5K BB transfer.   

Hopefully this will take care of me through Feb.   I will monitor the exchange rates closer around Dec. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 01, 2014, 10:12:38 AM
Wow, got a bump.  I saw rates of 31.5 to $1 last week, but now at 32.12. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 14, 2014, 10:26:53 PM
Not sure what is the problem here, other than horse face (US SoS) making comments against the Thai Coup. 


But the Baht is gaining, 31.8 to $1. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 05, 2014, 10:31:09 AM
Super Rich just posted 32.02 to $1, first time about 32 in several weeks. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Admin on September 05, 2014, 06:14:23 PM
 Super rich always best rates when I checked and compare rates.
Urleft, Are you talking about s/r or b/r?
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 05, 2014, 09:23:31 PM
Super rich always best rates when I checked and compare rates.
Urleft, Are you talking about s/r or b/r?

Admin, I am not sure what you mean. 
 
 
I track rates to transfer at the best times for me. 
 
 
Super Rich today went above 32, however That banks remained below 31.8,   
 
 
What is the best time to tranfer?    I do not know. 
 
 
 
However, I personally set a rate, and when that rate is acheived, I transfer. 
 
 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: mike on September 05, 2014, 11:37:03 PM
Super rich always best rates when I checked and compare rates.
Urleft, Are you talking about s/r or b/r?

Admin, I am not sure what you mean. 
 
 
I track rates to transfer at the best times for me. 
 
 
Super Rich today went above 32, however That banks remained below 31.8,   
 
 
What is the best time to tranfer?    I do not know. 
 
 
 
However, I personally set a rate, and when that rate is acheived, I transfer.

S/r = sell rate, b/r = buy rate. You get different rates depending on what you do.

Mike
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 15, 2014, 05:44:11 PM
Wow, a nice one day jump in the rate.  32.22 to $1   

This morning when I checked it was at 32 even.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on October 01, 2014, 08:47:14 PM
Wow, 32.4 to $1 at super rich. 

May be a good time to transfer. 

However, I am waiting until December.   

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on October 03, 2014, 07:46:09 PM
Well Super Rich is at 32.44 to $1. 

However, this is Friday, so you can't do bank transfers until Monday, by then the rate usually drops.   


But then again, this is up about .5 baht from last month. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on October 06, 2014, 07:32:30 PM
Decent jump to 32.57 to $1

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on November 01, 2014, 11:32:03 AM
Just a quick look at the current rates.  The were down aroun 32.3 most of last month, but jumped to 32.5 today.   However, being a weekend they will probably fall on Monday before you can take advantage. 

 moneysmile
 
 


 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on November 01, 2014, 12:04:54 PM
Xe at 32.60
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on November 06, 2014, 06:56:04 AM
Nice surge in the USD, 32.75 to $1. 


Seems the shift of control of congress is already having a positive impact. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on November 06, 2014, 01:09:42 PM
Or maybe the Thai Government are about to report losses of 1 Trillion Baht from the Rice scam..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Voodoo on November 08, 2014, 08:29:24 AM
Could be but then why aren't the British Pound and the Euro taking off he same way?  Once the euphoria from the election wears off I think you'll see things settle down again.. Right now there's a tremendous amount of hope, in the States, that the Republicans can turn things around.. Let's hope so.. They won.. Now it's put up or shut up.. That's also the case for Mr. Obama.. If it all stagnates again it will be because it's been stopped at his desk, not Harry Reid's.. The phrase of the day is ... Cautiously Optimistic...
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on December 03, 2014, 09:45:32 PM
Wow, falling more.   From basically 32 to $1, now at 31.75 to $1.   


Unless the TMB stops being spastic. 


As I said, I am planning a December Transfer. 



Its not looking good at this end.   moneysmile  Why December Urleft?


Just to mention, the latest rate is 32.83 to $1.   I expect to do a transfer next week, if I am lucky maybe I can get 33 to $1. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on December 08, 2014, 10:46:20 AM
Woooo Wooo, super rich just posted 33.02 baht to $1.      moneysmile

The Thai Bank TT rates are note there yet, but hopefully soon: 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: iammike on December 08, 2014, 10:59:35 AM
Hi,

I don't if it is the same but the TT Rate for the dollar from Bangkok Bank was this morning at 8:30 32.90.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on December 08, 2014, 11:22:24 AM
TT 32.97 SCB Xe 33.09 SR in BK on C-note 33.02
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 19, 2015, 08:37:21 PM
Well last month the rates almost hit 33 to $1, but has since been in a downturn, generally about 32.5 to $1. 


What is interesting is that about the same thing happened last year at about he same time frame with the baht getting weaker in the spring. 


Still much better than two years ago when the rate was 28 to $1

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on January 20, 2015, 01:59:42 AM
Hopefully will rebound in summer.   moneysmile
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on February 13, 2015, 01:49:11 AM
32.55 to 1 USD.  Getting back up there.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on February 27, 2015, 12:41:45 PM
Not sure why but most banks rates are under 32 to $1. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: davureborn on February 27, 2015, 01:47:48 PM
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/stock-market-crash-of-2016-the-countdown-begins-2015-02-25
He predicted the 2008 crash. People generally snigger when I say buy gold. Buy gold, at least 10% of your investment. Don't 'buy' a house in Thailand.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 10, 2015, 08:41:03 PM
There's been a recent upswing in the exchange rate for the USD, getting close to 32.6 to $1. 


Here is a possible explanation: moneysmile


Dollar Hits Fresh Highs Against Euro, Yen
Traders say Greenback Being Bought Ahead of Next Week’s FOMC meeting

http://www.wsj.com/articles/dollar-hits-fresh-highs-against-euro-yen-1425961055 (http://www.wsj.com/articles/dollar-hits-fresh-highs-against-euro-yen-1425961055)
 
 
For those that don't know FMOC means
 Federal Open Market Committee 
and is scheduled for 17-18 March
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on March 11, 2015, 08:07:52 AM
The Euro is sinking because of Greece nothing else... Even the pound is at a 6 year high v the Euro
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on March 11, 2015, 08:12:26 AM
Gold is sinking because of the reason you quoted   Which is great :-)
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 11, 2015, 07:36:08 PM
Wow, exchange hitting 32.8 to $1.    Time to transfer. 


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on March 11, 2015, 10:50:07 PM
Wow, exchange hitting 32.8 to $1.    Time to transfer.

OK for short-termism...... but I hope you have the balls to hold on to any investments because the stock market will react to those rates.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 12, 2015, 01:20:42 AM
Wow, exchange hitting 32.8 to $1.    Time to transfer.

OK for short-termism...... but I hope you have the balls to hold on to any investments because the stock market will react to those rates.


My point is that when you need to tranfer money do it at the best rate for you.   For example, I am trying to tranfer to catch the 32.8 rate, two weeks ago I may have gotten 32 To $1, with a large transfer that can be significant money. 



But if you go back to an earlier post of mine, Expats need to have a mix of assets to survive with minimal stress. 



For me, rates up and down, I think I will build a front yard fountain and forgo building rental units on other land. 


I will save that nest Leo for tomorrow. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on March 12, 2015, 11:08:51 AM
Gonna be some condos going cheap soon when the  crash comes.. Keep your powder dry till then
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on March 12, 2015, 12:51:07 PM
Gonna be some condos going cheap soon when the  crash comes.. Keep your powder dry till then

Thais never discount. They will let that property turn to dust.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 12, 2015, 01:33:05 PM
I have heard a lot of Russians are in trouble and having to sell. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on March 12, 2015, 02:44:44 PM
Gonna be some condos going cheap soon when the  crash comes.. Keep your powder dry till then



Which crash is that ?

(Genuine question as there are several that have happened already).
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 24, 2015, 09:19:12 AM
Well the rates peaked at just under 32.9 to $1 and are headed south again, currently at about 32.4 to $1

Seems my usual exchange tracker website:  http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx
Found some competition for Super Rich in SIA Money Exchange which is showing higher rates:

http://www.sia-moneyexchange.com/en/


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on March 25, 2015, 09:05:48 AM
They move money so slowly from here, 3 days still waiting now the rate has dropped.   moneysmile
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 25, 2015, 09:12:33 AM
They move money so slowly from here, 3 days still waiting now the rate has dropped.   moneysmile

Yup, the BB TT rate was 32.7 something when I tried to transfer, but ended up with 32.66.  Did the transfer Wed and it got posted Friday afternoon.  Which means there is not only a delay time in New York, but there is also one here. 



Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on March 25, 2015, 11:20:44 AM
Got there at 1028 your time, 32.298.   It was at over 32.4 when I sent it.  Of course minus a couple little fees.  Oh well.  Part of the challenge.       moneysmile
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 27, 2015, 04:08:29 PM
For most of the month the rate was hovering right around 32.3, not sure the it started up very recently, currently the top rate is 32.61 to $1.   Hopefully indications of good things to come. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: mike on April 28, 2015, 01:41:55 PM
Hopefully indications of good things to come.
This article might give a better indication of where the baht is going

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Exporters-wish-for-a-weaker-baht-unlikely-to-be-fu-30258803.html

BANGKOK: -- To the dismay of exporters, most economists are convinced that the Bank of Thailand will stay put when it meets on the policy rate this week.

 In short, exporters will need to flex their muscles to boost sales, as the baht should stay at this level without a change in the policy rate, or could even appreciate further against the US dollar amid low oil prices.

 Despite the government's pressure for further rate cuts to boost shipments, the biggest engine of the economy, the swelling current account surplus warrants no weakening of the baht in the short term.

 The impact of a rate cut would be neutralised, while the central bank will have less ammunition to cope with possible global volatility and risks destabilising the country's financial strength.

 Joey Chew, HSBC's Asia FX strategist, said last week that the baht has outperformed many other Asian currencies recently due mainly to the improvement in its current account surplus. Thailand's oil-trade deficit has also narrowed with the plunge in global oil prices, while tourism receipts have rebounded.

 Moody's Investors Service expects oil prices in 2015-18 to average about 40 per cent lower than in 2011-14. This is a boon to oil-importing countries like Thailand, as its oil imports were about 12 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2013.

 "Although the Bank of Thailand cut the policy rate earlier, the baht has been relatively unaffected since foreign equity and bond flows have been very muted over the past couple of years.

 "Indeed, the absence of volatile capital flows is another reason for the baht's resilience, amid global financial market volatility," Chew said.

 Most local economists believe that the Monetary Policy Committee would take no action, as it convenes for the third time this year on Wednesday. The central bank would rather wait for the release of official first-quarter economic indicators on May 18.

 If the risk factors worsen, action can be taken at the fourth meeting in June.

 New Zealand and Japan are also expected to maintain their monetary settings this week, pending more details on growth and inflation.

 Moody's Analytics, the research arm of Moody's Investors Service, sees the central bank likely to keep rates on hold for the rest of this year. HSBC forecasts no change until early next year.

 Though Thailand's exports contracted 4 per cent in the first two months of this year, low oil prices have fuelled the current account surplus, which would only strengthen the baht, not weaken it.

 Thanks to lower oil prices and higher tourism receipts, the current account has been in surplus since last October. In December, the surplus hit an all-time high of US$5.15 billion. From 32.43 per dollar at end-September, the baht rose 0.3 per cent to 32.36 at end-February. It weakened in the first week after the rate cut in March, but later regained strength.

 From $14.2 billion last year or 3.8 per cent of GDP, the International Monetary Fund expects a $17.2-billion surplus this year or 4.4 per cent.

 HSBC's Chew said the baht's gains could slow in the second and third quarters, as some dividends paid by listed companies may leave the country, while the tourism industry will be entering the low season.

 "Global factors may also play a role. We are seeing some signs of risk-taking in the market, which could favour other currencies with stronger growth and higher yields. In the second half, the dollar could strengthen once more, as the first rate hike nears. HSBC expects the Fed to raise the policy rate in September," he said.

 Kobsidthi Silpachai, head of markets and economic research at Kasikornbank's capital markets business division, said cutting interest rates to influence the currency requires a diagnosis of whether interest rate differentials have resulted in speculative behaviour.

 This can be seen through the level of foreign holdings of Bank of Thailand bonds.

 "We view that cutting rates to weaken the baht would be effective when such positioning is high such as was the case in April 2013, when foreign positioning was about Bt300 billion. However, foreign positioning now is at Bt61 billion," he said.

 Gundy Cahyadi of DBS Research said further rate cuts are often thought to be a way to weaken the baht, in order to boost export competitiveness.

 "It is interesting to note, however, that the terms of the trade index has actually gone up by about 10 per cent alongside the 7-per-cent gain in the baht's real effective exchange rate (REER) in the past 12 months.

 This is unlike in 2011-13, when the terms of trade fell by 3 per cent while the REER gained some 10 per cent," he said.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 30, 2015, 09:22:14 PM
Not sure what is the deal, but just checked the rate at it up to 32.85 to $1.  That is a very significant jump. 


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on April 30, 2015, 10:50:27 PM
The TT is 32,85 and Xe at 33.04. Banks are closed now through May 5.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 09, 2015, 11:01:39 PM
I am still not sure what is happening, but the exchange rate is about 33.4 to $1.   

Is the rate going to continue to improve for expats?   That is the real question. 


If I could figure that out I would know when to transfer.  I have decided to do a wait and see (no real reason other than I don't need to transfer money). 

Any sourced prediction news is welcome. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on May 10, 2015, 04:33:06 AM
The GBP is well up on the Tory Election victory
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on May 10, 2015, 07:46:09 AM
They now want to weaken the baht to improve Exports and have said they are going to keep it weak til things improve.. So other currencies should remain strong but this is Amazin Thailand so you never know..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 11, 2015, 08:16:18 PM
Rates are over 33.5 to $1. 

Getting better for pensions. 

Be prepared to ride the wave.  I did not plan to transfer more money until next year, but I am now considering it. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on May 12, 2015, 07:13:50 AM
Rates are over 33.5 to $1. 

Getting better for pensions. 

Be prepared to ride the wave.  I did not plan to transfer more money until next year, but I am now considering it. 


Next Year is a long way off Keith!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on May 12, 2015, 07:14:27 AM
The GBP keeps marching in the right direction!!!!!!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 12, 2015, 01:19:13 PM
WOW, 33.7 to $1 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on May 12, 2015, 01:32:19 PM
WOW, 33.7 to $1 


Could it be tied to the fact 15 USAF planes have been given permission to be based in Utapoa for 3 weeks??
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 12, 2015, 01:44:09 PM
WOW, 33.7 to $1 


Could it be tied to the fact 15 USAF planes have been given permission to be based in Utapoa for 3 weeks??

Doubt it, the ususal is sock it to US Servicemen, which means the exchange rate would be going in the opposite direction. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 12, 2015, 02:17:01 PM
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/finance/559063/baht-sinks-to-weakest-level-since-2009 (http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/finance/559063/baht-sinks-to-weakest-level-since-2009)


Baht sinks to weakest level since 2009

12 May 2015 at 13:59

The baht, Asia’s worst-performing currency of the past month, sank to its weakest level since September 2009 as global funds reduced holdings of the nation’s bonds. Overseas investors sold a net $82 million...
 
 


Please credit and share this article with others using this link:http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/finance/559063/baht-sinks-to-weakest-level-since-2009. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd (http://goo.gl/9HgTd) and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip (http://goo.gl/ou6Ip). © Post Publishing PCL. All rights reserved.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on May 12, 2015, 05:16:02 PM
WOW, 33.7 to $1 


Could it be tied to the fact 15 USAF planes have been given permission to be based in Utapoa for 3 weeks??

Doubt it, the ususal is sock it to US Servicemen, which means the exchange rate would be going in the opposite direction. 
They could be here for longer than 3 weeks as Nepal has just suffered another big quake!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on May 14, 2015, 06:46:24 AM
Thai Baht History
Early Currency in Thailand
Standardized factory minted coins and banknotes were officially issued for the first time in Thailand during the Rattankosin era; with paper money appearing in the form of royal promissory notes in 1853. This was soon followed by banknotes issued by foreign banks. In 1857, Thailand acquired its first minting machine and Thai silver coins began to be minted in the area. Coinage was streamlined in 1897, when the 11 denominations were simplified into two (satang and baht) under a decimalized silver standard system.
Introduction of the Thai Baht
Until 1880, the Thai Baht was fixed to the British Pound at a rate of 8 TBH to 1 GBP. This rate changed several times until the Baht was re-pegged to the Japanese Yen at par during World War II. After the war, the currency changed its peg to 20.8 Baht per 1 US Dollar, then to 20 Baht per US Dollar in 1978, and to 25 Baht in 1984.
Financial Crisis
In 1997, Thailand fell into financial crisis. The Baht lost half of its value prompting the adoption of a floating exchange rate regime. Since the economic collapse, the Thai Baht has stabilized.

Unofficially, the Thai Baht is used in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

(Borrowed from XE website.  Interesting.)
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 14, 2015, 12:33:06 PM
I was hoping we were going to zip into 34 to $1 territory, unfortunately things have slowed:


Bath is about 33.3 to $1. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on May 14, 2015, 03:58:11 PM
I was hoping we were going to zip into 34 to $1 territory, unfortunately things have slowed:


Bath is about 33.3 to $1.


I would suggest that most Americans are quite content with that number.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 14, 2015, 04:09:23 PM
I was hoping we were going to zip into 34 to $1 territory, unfortunately things have slowed:


Bath is about 33.3 to $1.


I would suggest that most Americans are quite content with that number.


BULL SHIT. Were a greedy lot. Come on 40-1.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on May 14, 2015, 04:12:50 PM
I was hoping we were going to zip into 34 to $1 territory, unfortunately things have slowed:


Bath is about 33.3 to $1.


I would suggest that most Americans are quite content with that number.


BULL SHIT. Were a greedy lot. Come on 40-1.


I had this feeling that YOU might just appear GL!   ;D
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on May 14, 2015, 04:15:00 PM
I was hoping we were going to zip into 34 to $1 territory, unfortunately things have slowed:


Bath is about 33.3 to $1.


I would suggest that most Americans are quite content with that number.


BULL SHIT. Were a greedy lot. Come on 40-1.


I had this feeling that YOU might just appear GL!   ;D
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 14, 2015, 06:55:28 PM
There was a knee jerk reaction today on the market but as of know on Xe and yes I do use it as a indicator the USD is back to 33.50, GBP 52.91 AUD 27.11. Set back and c what happens tomorrow about 0830am.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 14, 2015, 07:24:35 PM
Unfortunately I have found no consistancy in times to transfer money, either by wire transfer or Bank to Bank through Bangkok Bank.  I have had funds show up 12 hours after I transferred, and more than 5 days (counting the weekend). 

I set a 3 day window.  So when the rates peaked at about 33.8 I did not put the trigger, I am taking a wait and see attitude in hopes to find that 3 days. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on May 14, 2015, 07:26:20 PM
It will be there - and you can afford to be patient.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 14, 2015, 07:31:02 PM
It will be there - and you can afford to be patient.

But when transferring large amounts of money a 1/2 baht makes a significant difference. 


So early this week if I could have gotten 33.8, I may have taken it, but now 2 days later the dip to 33.3 is making me wait and see. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 14, 2015, 07:42:26 PM
It will be there - and you can afford to be patient.

But when transferring large amounts of money a 1/2 baht makes a significant difference. 


So early this week if I could have gotten 33.8, I may have taken it, but now 2 days later the dip to 33.3 is making me wait and see.

Hang in there it WILL hit 34.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 15, 2015, 08:31:58 PM
Yes, I expect it to hit 34, a lot better than the 28 two years ago. 

However, what will the baht do from there?  I am in a position where I don't have to transfer money, but can if I want.  So if there is a significant strength in the USD, I would like to take advantage of it.  I lucked out in 2009 getting better than 36 to $1, if I would have been smarter I would have transferred a lot more. 


But at this moment the baht fluctuations are new territory so I am waiting to see.  I need to guess whether when it hits 34 is 35 next?  Or back to 32. 


Good luck to you all in your decisions. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on May 28, 2015, 10:49:52 AM
Wow, super rich just posted 33.78 to $1.   


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on May 28, 2015, 11:10:27 AM
Wow, super rich just posted 33.78 to $1.

Great for the punter but for those that live hear. TT 33.72
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Mr. Som-o on June 01, 2015, 11:59:09 AM
I think you've got things kinda backwards. The USD/THB conversion rate has been pretty stable for the past 12 months, or so, at about 1 USD buying 32 THB. In early May, 2015, The Thai Central Bank allowed the baht to "float", with minimal interference. The result has been that the baht has fallen in value against the dollar, so that as of today (June 1, 2015), 1 USD buys 33.7 THB. It's still a far cry from what it should be, but, by no means can you consider the USD as "tanking".
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Starman on June 01, 2015, 12:09:31 PM
The Thai government have tinkered a little. It was mentioned on Thai news a while ago that the Thai government were now looking for foreign investment, thus by making the baht a bit more attractive, additional investment would be easier to attract. This has also coincided with a large amount of residency permits, some dating back as far as 2007, being approved on the basis of the applicants being employed or investing in Thailand
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: mike on June 01, 2015, 12:17:06 PM
I think you've got things kinda backwards. The USD/THB conversion rate has been pretty stable for the past 12 months, or so, at about 1 USD buying 32 THB. In early May, 2015, The Thai Central Bank allowed the baht to "float", with minimal interference. The result has been that the baht has fallen in value against the dollar, so that as of today (June 1, 2015), 1 USD buys 33.7 THB. It's still a far cry from what it should be, but, by no means can you consider the USD as "tanking".

The original post was from Jan 2013 where the baht was in the middle of a prolonged fall from 31.8 down to 28.7.

Maybe there should be a new thread "Thai baht tanking" :-)

Mike
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 01, 2015, 04:12:21 PM
I think you've got things kinda backwards. The USD/THB conversion rate has been pretty stable for the past 12 months, or so, at about 1 USD buying 32 THB. In early May, 2015, The Thai Central Bank allowed the baht to "float", with minimal interference. The result has been that the baht has fallen in value against the dollar, so that as of today (June 1, 2015), 1 USD buys 33.7 THB. It's still a far cry from what it should be, but, by no means can you consider the USD as "tanking".

The original post was from Jan 2013 where the baht was in the middle of a prolonged fall from 31.8 down to 28.7.

Maybe there should be a new thread "Thai baht tanking" :-)

Mike

I had thought about starting a new thread, but decided just to stick to this one so there is a written history.  If you go back to serveral earlier threads there may be some alcohol clouded minds mis-remembering the "good old days" rates. 


From my standpoint it seems the rate is stablized at or about 32+ to $1.  But I would not be surprised to see it go either way. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on June 01, 2015, 08:07:09 PM
The Thai government have tinkered a little. It was mentioned on Thai news a while ago that the Thai government were now looking for foreign investment, thus by making the baht a bit more attractive, additional investment would be easier to attract. This has also coincided with a large amount of residency permits, some dating back as far as 2007, being approved on the basis of the applicants being employed or investing in Thailand




It's the Bank of Thailand that makes the Decision not the Government.. We all know the Government wouldn't interfere in these matters..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on June 02, 2015, 09:25:13 AM
Xe 33.79
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on June 02, 2015, 10:21:43 PM
Seems to be holding around 33 and a half.  Very nice.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 03, 2015, 07:12:43 AM
Seems to be holding around 33 and a half.  Very nice.

Don't know if I am ready to say that.  Remember the 33 territory happened less than a month ago, during that time it shot up to 33.9 and back down under 33.  Then seemed to semi settle at 33.3. 

However, I will agree the Baht seems to settled in 33.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 15, 2015, 10:25:54 PM
While not the USD, there may be continued trouble in store for the Euro.  Good luck to you guys. 


Stocks all over the world are dropping after Greek crisis talks fell apart in 45 minutes

http://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/stocks-all-over-the-worlds-are-dropping-after-greek-debt-talks-fell-apart-in-45-minutes (http://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/stocks-all-over-the-worlds-are-dropping-after-greek-debt-talks-fell-apart-in-45-minutes)


Will be interesting to see the affect on the Baht markets in the morning. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 13, 2015, 07:57:06 PM
Woooo, 33.93 to $1.     Hopefully 34 soon. 


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on July 13, 2015, 11:52:31 PM
Xe 34.02
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 14, 2015, 06:19:45 PM
Can't get too much closer to 34 than this: 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 15, 2015, 09:59:08 AM
Wooo Wooo, super rich just hit 34!!!!!!!!


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 19, 2015, 05:58:09 PM
Wow, almost all bank TT rates over 34 to $1.   moneysmile






Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: KhunG on July 20, 2015, 12:09:54 PM
Unfortunately I wired my 2nd half of the year funds last month.  Oh well.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 20, 2015, 01:20:18 PM
Tough luck, some TT's rates are exceeding 34.20 to $1. 

But then it is a crap shoot on what rates you get because at least for me it can take several days for the transfer to become effective which is almost always a different rate than when you transferred (as in my last transfer it went down .010 baht). 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on July 20, 2015, 04:24:31 PM
TT 34.27  Xe 34.4185
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on July 20, 2015, 11:24:23 PM
Read the Financials and you will see that it's only going to get stronger.. SO is the British pound.. The General is doing a great Job in weakening the Baht.. Once the interest rates rise in your country it will be stronger..
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 21, 2015, 05:56:19 PM
Wow, Toffo seems to have nailed it, the rate is almost half way to 35:     Baht 34.47 to $1   

http://daytodaydata.net/ (http://daytodaydata.net/)



BTW, for any newbies I recommend you check out the link.  Switch to your currency, use notes to find what to expect to get for cash at exchange booths and banks, select TT to see what banks are using for ATM conversions.   IMHO super rich usually leads with what the rate will be and the bank TT rates will follow the next banking day. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 24, 2015, 06:48:53 PM
It is really amazing, the Baht tanked to 34 to $1 nine days ago and now is almost to 35.

Current high rates on notes from day to day is 34.85 to $1.  Hovering around 34.8 for TT. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on July 24, 2015, 08:16:58 PM
It ain't that Amazing.. Obviously you don't know what's going on in Thailand and your own country the U.S.  You would understand why it's rising if you did...
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Jackie-boy on August 03, 2015, 12:00:38 PM
Thailand: Bye Bye Baht If Bank Of Thailand Cuts Rates Again

By Shuli Ren

The Thai baht has fallen more than most of its peers, down 3.5% against the U.S. dollar in July.

Baht’s weakness this month is all the more striking considering “the currency’s relative resilience versus the US dollar previously,” wrote UBS‘s Edward Teather this morning.

The threat of a rate hike from the Federal Reserve Bank aside, the Bank of Thailand also seems to encourage the baht to weaken (to attract Chinese tourists?). The central bank cut its benchmark interest rate in April, and in recent days, the governor re-iterated that Bank of Thailand has no targeted level for the baht and that the recent move has been a mere “correction.” Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn was quoted saying that he’d “like to see the baht depreciating a little more” but then he also that “it’s almost at the right level.”

The Bank of Thailand will meet again next week on August 5 to decide whether to cut interest rate again.

How independent is the Bank of Thailand really? The central bank may be tempted to cut rate again to encourage growth. “Drag from mainstream Asia and European demand for goods is outweighing the positive impact from Chinese tourists and goods demand from Frontier Indochina,” wrote Teather. This is not a consensus view according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg, however. Most expects the central bank to stay put.

This month, the U.S.dollar-denominated iShares MSCI Thailand Capped ETF (THD) slumped 9%, making Thailand the worst performer in ASEAN.

http://blogs.barrons.com/asiastocks/2015/07/31/thailand-bye-bye-baht-if-bank-of-thailand-cut-rate-again/?mod=yahoobarrons&ru=yahoo
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 03, 2015, 11:24:25 AM
Well there's a good possibility the baht will tank to 36 to $1.   Rate just posted of 35.79 to $1. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on September 04, 2015, 12:01:35 AM
 moneysmile
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 07, 2015, 10:07:43 PM
Wooooo Wooooo   36.04 to $1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 07, 2015, 10:50:08 PM
Well last month the rates almost hit 33 to $1, but has since been in a downturn, generally about 32.5 to $1. 


What is interesting is that about the same thing happened last year at about he same time frame with the baht getting weaker in the spring. 


Still much better than two years ago when the rate was 28 to $1




One reason I keep adding to this thread is the history factor.  It has been that in the last 2 years the Baht was high in December.  So while the baht just broke 36 to $1 it may be even higher in December. 

I transferred some money last month, kind of wish I would have waited until this month.  But I am will be monitoring December and January to another transfer based on rates, not need. 


As I have said before, try to transfer money when it is in your favor, not when you have to have the cash. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: KhunG on September 08, 2015, 03:19:24 AM
I understand your point, but I do things on a schedule.  Two transfers a year, Jan and Jun or Jul.  Like stocks, I may not always buy at the lowest, or sell at the highest, but I always know where we stand.  Works for me.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 08, 2015, 09:25:13 AM
Wow, almost all the bank TT rates are over 36!


 moneysmile moneysmile moneysmile moneysmile

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 18, 2015, 11:06:11 AM
36 didn't last long, the rates are slowly descending, currently about 35.75 to $1. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 18, 2015, 04:13:02 PM
Well maybe not so slowly, looks like they dropped another .25 baht for make the rates under 35.5 to $1 for the weekend. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on September 18, 2015, 09:16:12 PM
Didn't have the Balls to Raise the interest Rate that's why it's Declining....golds gone up also on that Decision...helping china by not raising...
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 22, 2015, 08:15:21 PM
Kind of weird, baht rate for notes usually decrease with smaller denominations, however, the highest rate on notes is for USD one dollar bill (.4 baht difference), been this way for 2 days. 



Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: gotlost on September 22, 2015, 08:35:40 PM
Xe 36.10
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 29, 2015, 10:04:47 AM
Fairly significant jump in the rates to about 36.4 to $1.   Hopefully 37 or better by Christmas. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on October 15, 2015, 12:06:46 PM
Well not sure the cause yet, but the Baht was 35.6 to $1 around 9am, but has fallen to 35.2 to $1 a few minutes ago.   


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on October 15, 2015, 09:28:21 PM
A good chance it's this


http://www.wsj.com/articles/fed-doubts-grow-on-2015-rate-hike-1444866104
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on December 10, 2015, 02:59:31 PM
As I have mentioned the rates seem to spike in Dec.  They and been hovering mostly around 35.5 (+/-.3) since Sep, but they have been slowing creeping up this week.  Currently at 35.9 to $1.  But it does seem unlikely they will hit 37 this year. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on December 10, 2015, 05:32:39 PM
Depend on whether or not the Fed raises interest rates!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 06, 2016, 10:47:34 AM
Nice little jump in the rates, 36.17 to $1. 

The rates have been hovering right around 36 (+/- .1 baht) for most of Dec and all of Jan.  This is the first I've seen it about 36.1. 

 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 13, 2016, 06:41:56 AM
Seems that Bangkok Bank has changed their NY Branch transfer rates again.  A few years ago the rates were $5 for under $50K.  They creeped up to $10.  And now while at 10 they've added another 500 baht fee at the receiving branch (about $15). 

So my current transfer is costing me about $35.  Doing an international wire transfer costs about $45 (not sure if there are receiving branch fees). 

http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/DailyBanking/TransferingFunds/TransferringIntoThailand/ReceivingFundsfromUSA/Pages/ReceivingFundsfromUSA.aspx


So it is getting to the point where I may go back to international wire transfers instead of using BB New York Branch.  Just something to recheck if any are using the Sydney or London BB branches. 



Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on January 13, 2016, 10:48:45 AM
I transfer from the UK branch and it usually cost me 25 pounds in fees.. I do however not know how much of that fee is from the Bangkok bank
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: davureborn on January 13, 2016, 12:10:24 PM
I wish the Swiss could raise interest rates, 0% more or less at present. Still ok though.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: CO-CO on January 13, 2016, 12:20:01 PM
I transfer from the UK branch and it usually cost me 25 pounds in fees.. I do however not know how much of that fee is from the Bangkok bank

Bangkok Bank will be 0.25% max 00 Baht. At Kasikorn I also pay 20 Baht to transfer from BKK plus 0.1% (unlimited, not sure for what).

I pay nothing in the UK as I used to work for HSBC but normal online customers pay GBP 5 and with Halifax GBP 9.50.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: mudcat on January 14, 2016, 02:58:59 AM
The salient fees in both New York and Bangkok are sliding, which makes comparison a little tricky.  Looked at this for regular transfers and noted that against carrying cash the cost for the convenience of using free ACHC transfers through New York was reasonable, ranging from USD 10.5 for USD1,000 to USD17.50 for UDS 3,000.   The difference in using Bangkok Bank's cash rate was minimal (USD +3.30- to USD -3.61)   The real 'cost' when comparing electronic transfers with carrying cash to one of the cash exchange's with better rates (e.g. USD to Baht - BBK 35.87 vs Superich 36.23) whereupon the 'convenience cost' ranges from USD 13.50 - USD 26.50 for the USD 1,000 or USD 3,000 transfers, goes up arithmetically from there.

Larger amounts can be handled differently and at possibly lower cost through a wire transfer, but the U.S. does not allow regular wire transfers any longer.  Will investigate what 'deal' Chase will offer through their Thailand bank.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on January 14, 2016, 03:40:57 AM
I have sent a message to Chase Thailand as well and waiting for a reply.  Please keep us posted!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on January 14, 2016, 04:47:31 AM
The response I received from JPM was "call customer service in USA."  Their response is that Thailand office is corporate only, no personal banking.  They had no other solutions on now to transfer money with fewer fees.   
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 14, 2016, 06:18:27 AM
I used to have a home equity loan with USAA, if the money was taken from that account the international transfer was free.  So I would use that account to transfer and pay the money back immediately resulting in only a few bucks from interest. 

However, I closed the account when I sold my house. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 15, 2016, 05:23:46 PM
Just a tidbit on my last funds transfer, I tried to get the action completed with money here on Wednesday, and I succeeded in that goal. 

However, I also managed to hit the lowest TT exchange rate for the week.  36.12 on Wed, 36.2 Today, Friday.    But, much better than last year's transfers, best exchange rate I hit since 2009.  moneysmile

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on January 16, 2016, 12:43:25 AM
Did you send on Monday or the Friday prior?
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 16, 2016, 08:00:54 AM
I sent on Monday. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 27, 2016, 06:06:51 PM
Well the rates seem to be sliding again, about 35.8 to $1.   Glad I transferred when I did. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: toffo on January 27, 2016, 09:50:59 PM
And they wonder why Exports are sooooo Bad when they keep propping up an inflated Baht
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on February 08, 2016, 06:13:56 PM
The rate is dropping, currently about 35.4 to $1. 

Must say I am glad i transferred with I did as that is over a 1/2 baht difference. 


But then just look at last year about this time:



32.55 to 1 USD.  Getting back up there.

 
 
That 3 baht made a sizable difference for me.
 
 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 11, 2016, 09:56:41 PM
Wow, best rate is 35.08 to $1. 


The 1 baht+ rate difference I got in January is looking like I was really smart to make the exchange then. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 11, 2016, 10:08:43 PM
Wow, exchange hitting 32.8 to $1.    Time to transfer. 





Just a reminder of where we were last year. 


If your money is coming from your expat country of citizenship, looks like you are much better off this year and opposed to 2015. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Starman on March 12, 2016, 08:56:19 AM
With my new vested interest in the US dollar, that is very nice. Thank you.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 13, 2016, 08:13:22 AM
All rates for the USD now under 35 to $1.   bigcry

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 22, 2016, 09:15:43 AM
My favorite rate site (Day to Day) is down, looks like it is gone.  But the current rate is around 35 Baht to $1. 


However, if you want some fear mongering, the dollar is supposed to collapse on 28 May:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dollar+collapse+2016 (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dollar+collapse+2016)

I think I'll go on vacation.   :o
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on April 22, 2016, 09:33:49 AM
Thinking of opening US dollar account at Bangkok bank to be able to trade back and forth as the market dictates. Anyone doing this now?  Are the transfers immediate?  Thanks!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 22, 2016, 09:45:51 AM
Thinking of opening US dollar account at Bangkok bank to be able to trade back and forth as the market dictates. Anyone doing this now?  Are the transfers immediate?  Thanks!

DD, it depends on your bank.  I use USAA and it can take days, but while sitting in Patts talking high finance a guy mentioned that he used Chase and the exchange was almost immediate. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on April 22, 2016, 09:48:31 AM
Both chase and Schwab are 3 days. That's why I was thinking about the currency account here.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on April 22, 2016, 09:54:55 AM
Both chase and Schwab are 3 days. That's why I was thinking about the currency account here.

I meant that a currency exchange between a US Bank and the Bangkok NY Branch was almost immediate for some, my experience has been the NY BB branch takes at least a day to process it.  After 2 days I would send a query to the BB NY Branch and wooosh, the money appeared the next business day. 

BTW, when doing a BB funds transfer I have checked at 9 am and the funds were not posted, but at noon (Thailand time) they appeared.



Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 13, 2016, 12:30:54 AM
Rate has been fairly stable at around 35 to $1 for a while now. 

http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?From=USD&To=THB

Any insight on rate predictions?

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: smoooth2 on June 13, 2016, 10:07:18 AM
Rate has been fairly stable at around 35 to $1 for a while now. 

http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?From=USD&To=THB

Any insight on rate predictions?




A few years ago I tried to set up an account with xe.com

Ridiculous amount of personal info required. Silly in the extreme. Email after email, with no apparent end in sight to their requests. Hopeless.

I gave up in the end and set up a client account with a Sydney based Aussie FX company. Easy set up, and have been dealing for 3 years with 100% satisfaction.

Also, this Oz company advertises "customer rates". What you see is what you get. Perfect.

xe.com advertises mid market rates. What you see, is NOT what the average customer gets.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on June 17, 2016, 05:24:11 AM
Rate has been fairly stable at around 35 to $1 for a while now. 

http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?From=USD&To=THB

Any insight on rate predictions?

In a recent article in the paper we can not mention that is printed in Bangkok (so you know it has to be accurate) the banks predict about 35.5 by 3rd quarter, and 37 by end of year.  Lets hope.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 02, 2016, 09:35:20 PM
The conversion rate is still about 35 to $1.   But I have been checking my funds based on the Brexit, I have not lost a dime.  All my funds are gains. 

So from my limited standpoint the Brexit vote had no effect on my retirement standards. 

And it seems the losses are being recovered:

FTSE 100 erases post-Brexit losses as buying bonanza fuels rebound

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/29/ftse-set-to-open-higher-as-post-brexit-rally-gains-momentum/ (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/06/29/ftse-set-to-open-higher-as-post-brexit-rally-gains-momentum/)


Hope the Pound increases in value for you expats. 


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 07, 2016, 07:43:29 AM
Unfortunately for UK Expats the Pound is tanking.   We have a saying in America, "Freedom is not Free"   Best of luck to you all. 


 Sterling hits new 31-year low against the dollar


Last time the pound was lower was in June 1985, but still a way off the record low against the dollar of $1.0520 in March 1985


https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jul/06/brexit-pound-plunges-to-30-year-lows-as-eu-fears-bite-into-global-markets-again#comment-78360904 (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jul/06/brexit-pound-plunges-to-30-year-lows-as-eu-fears-bite-into-global-markets-again#comment-78360904)


The pound sank to a fresh 31-year low against the dollar on Wednesday amid growing signs that the shock Brexit vote is already damaging the UK economy.

Sterling hit a low of $1.2796 at one point as investors lost confidence in Britain’s future outside the European Union and piled out of the UK currency.

The last time the pound was lower was in June 1985, but it has still got a way to fall before hitting its all time low against the dollar of $1.0520, struck on 1 March 1985.

Sterling has plunged almost 15% since a poll published on 23 June – the day of the referendum – wrongly indicated Britain had voted to stay in the EU, pushing the UK currency above $1.50. The pound also fell to a near three-year low against the euro at €1.1741.

On the stock market, there were fresh falls for housebuilders, which have been hard hit since the referendum result, and the suspension of three major commercial property funds. M&G Investments and Aviva Investors barred investors from withdrawing cash from their property funds on Tuesday amid fears of a crash in the commercial property market and Standard Life made the same move a day earlier.

In early trading on Wednesday Barratt Developments was leading the FTSE 100 fallers, down by over 5%, while Taylor Wimpey fell 4%. The FTSE 100 was up 0.3%, at 6563, but the more UK-focused FTSE 250 index was down again, falling 0.5% to 15660.

Sterling’s slide came amid worrying signs the UK economy is already suffering from the Brexit vote.A closely watched survey published on Tuesday showed growth in the UK services sector – which accounts for more than three quarters of the economy – was the slowest in three years in June. Companies reported “intensified” anxiety in the runup to the referendum.

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, said: “The pound has continued to come under pressure in the past couple of days sinking to new 31 year lows.

“The suspension of commercial property fund redemptions by a number of big players has precipitated a broader sell off in the UK property sector including house builders and other asset managers.

“Combined with a warning that some Brexit effects were already starting to crystallise and this week’s slowdown in recent economic data we’ve seen a bit of a domino effect in locally exposed sterling assets, as well as risky assets generally across the world.”

The pound also fell against the Japanese yen on Wednesday, hitting a three-and-a-half year low of 128.81 yen.

Concerns about the impact on already fragile global growth spread to commodity markets. After oil prices shed 5% on Tuesday, Brent crude fell further on Wednesday to $47.57 a barrel, before recovering slightly to go back above $48.

Investors rushed to safe-haven sovereign debt and took markets deeper into unknown territory.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Starman on July 07, 2016, 08:05:16 AM
Indeed the pound is losing, as expected.

Give it 2 years and it will be booming.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 01, 2016, 10:53:03 AM
Well the USD is slowly tanking again, current rate is about 34.6 to $1, about 1.5 baht difference from last year. 

If you check past postings here you will see the USD usually peaks in Dec.  Will be interesting to see how the election affects things.  I'm in a wait and see mode. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: davureborn on September 01, 2016, 04:05:57 PM
Indeed the pound is losing, as expected.

Give it 2 years and it will be booming.

The pound is at about the same rate against the Euro which some of us might think to be more important, as it was in 2012.
http://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=EUR&to=GBP&view=5Y.
More or less the same for THB / UK pound.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on October 07, 2016, 11:11:01 PM
Within a week I made a transaction on my Barclay Credit card and the exchange rate was 34.58 and then I did a money transfer from the USA to Bangkok Bank, the rate was 34.40. 


Looks like I need to use my CC more. 


The fallout from this is that if you are an American, I highly recommend the Barclay Arrival card:
http://www.findmybarclaycard.com/barclaycard-credit-cards/arrival-plus

Great exchange rates and great rewards, I am over $500 cashback this year so far. 


BTW, if you apply Please PM me before hand so I can get a referral benefit.  Otherwise have at it, I find it a great deal. 


Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on October 13, 2016, 09:54:12 PM
There is a saying that: it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good

There has been a surge against the baht, and now the King died.  How will the baht react?   I have a gut feeling the baht is going to fall.  And if you line this up with the previous yearly exchange rates in December, it might be a good transfer time. 

Unfortunately I transferred 2 weeks ago, should have waited. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on November 16, 2016, 10:05:23 PM
Super Rich has the baht exchange at 35.42 to $1, that is basically up a baht from my last posting. 

With all the factors involved, I don't have a good prediction on next's month's rate.  It normally is up, however, with the Trump surge will it still go up?  Not sure. 

That said, I am prepared to do transfer if the rate climbs above 36. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on December 12, 2016, 11:04:23 PM
Well it is December, usually when the USD peaks, at least from when this posting started.  Yes it is up to 35.6 but not any recent significant increases. 

My prediction is that Trump will do something really bonkers in the 3 months and the rate will jump.  How about at least 37+ to $1 before April? 

Making this prediction gives the hairy ursine a great chance to berate me. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Ahab on December 13, 2016, 10:39:24 AM
Well it is December, usually when the USD peaks, at least from when this posting started.  Yes it is up to 35.6 but not any recent significant increases. 

My prediction is that Trump will do something really bonkers in the 3 months and the rate will jump.  How about at least 37+ to $1 before April? 

Making this prediction gives the hairy ursine a great chance to berate me.
I hope you are correct because that is about the time we will need to transfer cash into Thailand.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on December 20, 2016, 09:38:10 PM
Well it is December, usually when the USD peaks, at least from when this posting started.  Yes it is up to 35.6 but not any recent significant increases. 

My prediction is that Trump will do something really bonkers in the 3 months and the rate will jump.  How about at least 37+ to $1 before April? 

Making this prediction gives the hairy ursine a great chance to berate me.
I hope you are correct because that is about the time we will need to transfer cash into Thailand.

Well the dollar looks like about to exceed 36, but I believe it will get to more.  May have a big surge on 20 Jan. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on March 07, 2017, 10:55:27 PM

Well the dollar looks like about to exceed 36, but I believe it will get to more.  May have a big surge on 20 Jan. 


Well so far it looks like I am doing a nookie and failing in my prediction.  But I continue to have faith the rates will rise.  Luckily I don't need to transfer for several months. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on May 30, 2017, 08:05:12 AM
Reports that the dollar would hit 36 baht by June are not so accurate. Today BB shows down to 33.93. WTH??
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 18, 2017, 09:39:26 PM
I lucked out and got over 34 to $1 last month.  However the rate has droped to around 33.5 to $1.   

But I am back to my observation that December can be a great month to transfer.  However, if the rate sucks I am prepared to mitigate and wait.

Just to go back to an earlier post: 

To bad for those on fixed incomes. 

For those that are still planning retirement, I recommend a mix of:

- Pensions (these are fixed income, you can be hurt on exchange rates).
- Retirement Savings (if your country allows, I urge you to invest in them).
- Current Savings, this is money you have in regular bank accounts.
- Investments, this includes stocks, bonds and property. 
- Local money.  This can be both money converted to local currency in a Thai Bank and money earned from a Thai business.   

If you have a mix of these, you should be able to weather economy storms.  But if you just depend on one or 2, you can really be hurt by the exchange rates. 

But if you look at the decade view, it seems they exchange rates invert about every 10 years (+/- 10 years).  So the rates should get better.

However, that does not mean the exchange rates cannot tank a lot more, I have heard a prediction of 20 to 1 baht to USD.  That will hurt me, but not devestate.  I can continue to live the LOS, but just not as good as I hoped. 

I wish you all well in overcoming the current rates. 
 

Good luck to you all on living here. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 24, 2017, 09:59:56 AM
Some sliding going on, USD down to 33.3 and falling.  As I mentioned I got over 34 just last month. 

Hope the December surge comes about.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 10, 2017, 09:45:26 AM
Unfortunately still tanking.  Headed for 32, now at 33.09. 

http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx

If you haven't checked this site it breaks out the individual exchange rate per bank.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on September 28, 2017, 07:00:12 PM
Wow, the USD is at $1 to 33.3 Baht, on Monday it was under 33. 

Things are looking good. 

http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on December 27, 2017, 04:39:01 PM
It has been normal in December the last few years since I started this post for the rate to peak, but this month it started down, I think it got to 32.10.  However, in the past week it has been creeping up, now at 32.7. 

Will be interesting to watch the whether the advertised US Economy will start roaring again and then its impacts to the exchange rate.

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on December 29, 2017, 06:59:24 AM
If the baht weakens any ,then they will increase the ATM usage fee again!
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on January 18, 2018, 07:52:27 AM
Info for anyone not already aware
          SUPER RICH now have 2 exchange kiosks in Korat
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on January 27, 2018, 07:58:43 PM
The USD continues to tank, now at or less than 31.3. 

However, at Davos Trump gave an interview and mentioned one of his goals is a strong Dollar.   So hopefully there will be a change of direction soon. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjZG5P_Q7B0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjZG5P_Q7B0)
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 22, 2018, 07:21:58 AM
In the past 6 months the baht has been hovering at 32, give or take a half baht.  But it appears to be headed to 33, TT rates at 32.85.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: nookiebear on June 22, 2018, 05:07:30 PM
The GBP is at its highest level v the baht for several months
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: DeputyDavid on June 22, 2018, 05:37:57 PM
 bananadance
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 23, 2018, 07:34:52 AM

 moneysmile








     
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on July 11, 2018, 08:53:29 AM
Unfortunately still tanking.  Headed for 32, now at 33.09. 

http://bankexchangerates.daytodaydata.net/default.aspx

If you haven't checked this site it breaks out the individual exchange rate per bank.


Just about a year ago the USD was tanking, now it appears to be headed back.  TT rate today for Bangkok Bank is 33.09
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on August 24, 2018, 12:23:58 AM
About 1/2 baht drop, baht at 32.66.  Interesting that it's about the same position as this time last year. 
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: Starman on August 24, 2018, 04:32:30 PM
About 1/2 baht drop, baht at 32.66.  Interesting that it's about the same position as this time last year. 

Nothing to do with time of year and all to do with someone hell bent on tariffs.
Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on October 30, 2018, 05:35:24 PM
Been down several months but finally broke into 33 to $1.  Maybe the Dec spike is coming back. 

Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on February 05, 2019, 01:55:25 AM

Well the USD is in the tanking mode again.  31.18 baht to $1. 





Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: urleft on June 25, 2019, 08:24:46 AM

The tanking continues, the rate was increasing back to 32 to $1 last month but has taken a recent downturn such that it is about 30.6 to $1. 



Title: Re: USD tanking against Thai baht.
Post by: rufusredtail on June 26, 2019, 01:53:55 PM
WELL YOUR VERY LUCKY TO GET THAT RATE , AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR TO THB NOT SO LONG AGO WAS 25 THB TO THE DOLLAR NOW 21.40