Bangkok: SME D Bank has announced its successful performance in the first quarter of 2026, facilitating the access of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to over 19.8 billion baht in funding. This initiative aims to help SMEs navigate the ongoing energy crisis and inject more than 90 billion baht into the economy.
According to Thai News Agency, SME D Bank's efforts have been instrumental in supporting over 1,900 businesses by focusing on market expansion, revenue increase, and cost reduction. The bank has also provided assistance to over 5,590 vulnerable businesses to ensure their continued operation. Additionally, the bank has been able to maintain a low non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 7.86%, reflecting its commitment to supporting the Thai SME sector.
Mr. Pichit Mitrawong, Managing Director of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand, highlighted the challenges faced by Thai SMEs due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has led to rising energy prices and increased business costs. As a government-backed financial institution, SME D Bank has streamlined its loan approval processes and relaxed conditions to provide much-needed liquidity to SMEs, helping them overcome the current economic challenges.
In the first quarter of 2026, the bank exceeded its targets by providing funding to SMEs that generated over 90.72 billion baht in economic activity and helped preserve over 541,700 jobs. The bank has also focused on enhancing the capabilities of SME entrepreneurs by providing support in marketing, revenue growth, and leveraging digital tools for business expansion.
The bank's support extends to vulnerable groups, offering tailored debt restructuring solutions to help over 5,590 businesses maintain operations. This strategic approach has contributed to a decrease in NPLs, further strengthening SME D Bank's financial position.
Looking ahead, Mr. Pichit reiterated the bank's commitment to its "umbrella that never closes" strategy, aimed at providing ongoing support to SMEs. This includes plans to allocate over 20 billion baht in funding with favorable interest rates, supporting green and sustainable business practices, and focusing on upskilling and reskilling initiatives to drive long-term growth and sustainability.