BANGKOK— The Government Housing Bank (GHB) announced a new low-interest loan program on Thursday to help existing customers install solar rooftops and energy-saving home improvements. The initiative aims to provide long-term relief for households facing a surge in living costs driven by the global energy crisis.
Under the new scheme, eligible homeowners can borrow up to 300,000 baht to transition to renewable energy. The bank is offering a promotional interest rate of just 1.00% per year for the first 100,000 baht of the loan. This measure comes as Thai households struggle with volatile electricity prices and broader economic pressure from international conflicts.
“The bank is fully committed to supporting government policy, particularly measures to help people affected by the energy crisis,” said Mahatana Ampornpisit, managing director of GHB, in a statement released by The Nation Thailand . “We designed this loan product to make access to financing as easy as possible.”
Sustainable Savings for Homeowners
The loan is structured to keep monthly repayments manageable for average families. While the first 100,000 baht carries the 1.00% rate, the remaining 200,000 baht is offered at 1.99% per year. The maximum term for the loan is five years.
Repayment schedules are designed to be affordable:
- Initial 100,000 baht:Monthly payments start at 2,900 baht.
- An additional 200,000 baht:Monthly payments start at 3,600 baht.
The bank expects the savings on monthly electricity bills to offset the cost of the loan over time. By installing solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on the national grid during peak daylight hours, which is often when energy rates are highest.
Supporting a Green Economy
The initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader goals for environmental development and clean energy. GHB has shifted its focus toward supporting energy-efficient housing as a sustainable way to help clients manage expenses.
“Encouraging people to install solar roofs is an important mechanism for helping households reduce energy costs,” Mahatana said. He noted that the bank’s direction remains focused on a “concrete shift towards clean energy.”
This move follows recent government actions to promote green technology, including a tax relief program for home solar installations of up to 200,000 baht. The GHB loan acts as a financial bridge, allowing more citizens to take advantage of these incentives.
How to Apply
The loan is available to existing GHB customers who want to improve their homes or install solar energy systems. The bank stated that all lending terms will follow its standard requirements for Home Improvement Loan products.
Customers interested in the program can:
- Visit any GHB branch nationwide to submit a request.
- Contact the G H Bank Call Center for detailed eligibility criteria.
- Follow the bank’s social media channels for updates on required documentation.
GHB remains confident in its ability to support the Thai housing market. Earlier this year, the bank set a target to approve 240 billion baht in total loans for 2025, emphasizing its role as a primary lender for residential stability.
The program is active starting today, and the bank encourages those interested to apply early to secure the promotional rates.
