Bond issuance to reach B1tn

Long-term corporate bond issuance will likely reach 1 trillion baht this year as the private sector seeks funds to expand business and enhance liquidity, according to the Thai Bond Market Association (TBMA).

The TBMA said the global interest hike will not hurt the Thai bond market’s liquidity as much as investors fear because the domestic demand for corporate bonds remains high. Businesses in energy, finance and leasing, property and commerce are expected to be the top issuers this year, said the group.

Tada Phutthitada, president of the TBMA, said the value of long-term debentures issuance in 2021 rose 50% from the previous year and exceeded 1.03 trillion baht for the second time in three years, attributed to increases in both investment grade and high-yield bonds.

Among emerging themes for debentures, sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) and environmental, social…