Bangkok: The Thai baht continues to weaken as the US dollar strengthens to a record high, driven by the ongoing Saudi Arabian oil pipeline shutdown crisis. The financial markets are on edge, with particular attention focused on the anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate signal expected later tonight.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai baht was trading this morning (September 16, 2026) at approximately 33.29 to 33.31 baht per US dollar. This marks a continuation of its weaker trend from yesterday's closing level (September 15, 2026), aligning with the movement of most currencies in the Asian region. The dollar's strength is being supported by increased tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel following Saudi Arabia's announcement of the East-West Pipeline closure.
In addition to geopolitical tensions, the dollar has been bolstered by a rise in the 10-year US Treasury yield to 5.04%, the highest level since July 2007. This rise is amidst concerns about inflation prospects and expectations of a tighter monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. Experts are estimating the Thai baht's trading range today to be between 33.20 and 33.40 baht per US dollar. Key factors to watch include foreign capital flows, developments in the Middle East, and the results of the Federal Reserve meeting and the Dot Plot, which will be announced tonight.