Determinants of Thai Baht Exchange Rate and Asian Currencies Exchange Rate

Abstract

The study hypothesises that the exchange rate is a random walk series. Besides, the study incorporates main macroeconomic factors as a structural exchange rate determination. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) is applied in the model estimation for Thai baht. Moreover, the panel data model of the Asian exchange rate is estimated and analysed. The exchange rate of Thai baht is found to be a random walk process. The long-run equilibrium of the estimated cointegrating relation indicates all coefficients of the determining factors are statistically significant. An increase in the real interest rate and the foreign reserve has significant appreciation effects on the Thai baht. An increase in the income per capita has a significant depreciation effect on the Thai baht. External debt causes a depreciation in the Thai baht. The most substantial impact on the value of Thai baht is the income per capita. It follows by the foreign reserve, the real interest rate, and the external debt, respectively. During 2017 and 2018, the estimated exchange rate is appreciated by 4.21 per cent that is close to the actual appreciated value. The estimated Asian model is found consistent with the model of the Thai baht. The highest impact on the local Asian currencies is the income per capita. It follows by the foreign reserve and the real interest rate, respectively, with both quite close by their sizes. However, the foreign reserve has a more appreciated influence than that of the real interest rate for Thai baht.