The criteria for the home equity mortgage conversion service are expected to be laid down this year, said Banthornchome Kaewsa-ard, fiscal policy adviser to the FPO.
"The initial principles of reverse mortgages will be similar to regular mortgages, but it needs to address risks. We must discuss how to get rid of risks such as fixing borrowers' ages and insurance against risks," she said.
The government is keen on widening the retirement safety net for Thais as society ages, helping the elderly live comfortably in retirement and reduce their fiscal burden. Measures include setting up the National Savings Fund, a voluntary pension fund for non-formal workers, as well as plans to implement reverse mortgages and a mandatory provident fund.
The percentage of Thais aged 60 and over is expected to increase from 14% of the population now to 17.5% in 2020, 21.2% in 2025 and 25.2% in 2030, the FPO estimated.
Reverse mortgages allow elderly homeowners to convert their home equity into cash with no repayment of the loan until the borrower dies or the home is sold to help them cover monthly living expenses and healthcare costs.
Reverse mortgage lenders will make monthly payments to borrowers, who are still able to live in those homes until they pass away or the loans are fully taken out.
If homeowners die, part of the home can be inherited if proceeds from the home sale exceed the amount owed.
Ms Banthornchome said reverse mortgages will be bundled in a package for the elderly slated for cabinet approval in coming months.
GH Bank and Government Savings Bank will be reverse mortgage lenders.
GH Bank must amend the laws governing its operations to allow it to offer reverse mortgages and may use a subsidiary for this purpose, she said. Allowing the bank to offer mortgage insurance must come from a ministerial announcement, said Ms Banthornchome.
The bank's mortgage insurance business would operate similar to credit guarantees to small and medium-sized enterprises by Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation, she said, adding that GH Bank could offer mortgage insurance simultaneously with reverse mortgages.