Surge in Gold and Tool Pawning as School Year Opens—Many Families Face Cash Flow Shortages
Families in Betong are pawning gold and tools at record rates as schools reopen, with over 22 million baht in loans issued in just days. A local credit union is offering reduced interest rates through June to help parents manage back-to-sch
Surge in gold and tool pawning as school year opens—many families face cash flow shortages with over 22 million baht in circulation; pawn shop reduces interest rates to help May 5, 2026—Ms. Nooriyah Samae, manager of Betong Municipality Community Credit Union in Yala province, revealed that with schools in Betong district opening between May 13-16, parents face increased expenses, leaving many families short on cash. The community credit union is providing relief by offering special reduced interest rates during the school opening period. Daily customer visits have surged to 100-200 people, with circulation exceeding 22 million baht, primarily in pure gold and tools. Pawning activity has increased over 70 percent during this period. While the exact total weight of gold pledged cannot be determined—as some customers withdraw less than their item's appraised value—the volume is substantial, with approximately ten thousand baht in gold weight based on the 22 million baht in loans issued. The credit union is assisting parents with adjusted rates: for principal amounts not exceeding 5,000-10,000 baht, the rate is 0.75 percent monthly for the first three months, then 1 percent monthly thereafter, with a maximum loan of 100,000 baht per borrower. This assistance program runs from today through June 30.
