Bangkok: SME D Bank has introduced a comprehensive "assistance-relief-recovery" plan to aid small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in southern Thailand, particularly in response to the devastating floods that impacted the region at the end of 2025.
According to Thai News Agency, this strategic initiative by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank) aims to ensure business continuity and foster recovery for the affected SMEs.
Mr. Pichit Mitrawong, Managing Director of SME D Bank, highlighted that the floods caused extensive damage to both lives and properties, significantly affecting SMEs across several southern provinces. In a bid to mitigate the impact, the bank has rolled out immediate assistance measures and further expanded its support in alignment with the Ministry of Finance's directive. The "Assistance-Relief-Recovery" approach encompasses three key measures designed to help SMEs withstand the crisis and resume operations swiftly.
The first measure, focused on "assistance," targets existing customers in Songkhla Province, classified as a severe disaster area (Level 4). It includes a suspension of principal and interest payments for up to 12 months, with a loan limit of 1,000,000 baht per individual. Notably, interest is set at 0% during the suspension period, with applications open until January 31, 2026.
The "relief" measures provide additional loan support to bolster liquidity, facilitate investments, or support business repairs and improvements. Customers can receive loans up to their original limit, with a cap of 100,000 baht per customer. This measure offers a five-year repayment period, with an interest rate of 0% for the first year and MLR per year for the following years, currently pegged at 7.10%. Applications for this measure are accepted until March 31, 2026.
The "recovery" measures cater to both existing and new customers, offering access to funding for business expansion and repairs. Loans are available up to 1,000,000 baht per customer, contingent on their capacity. The repayment timeline extends up to seven years, with a 0% interest rate for the first year and MLR+1.50% per year thereafter. Interest is waived for the first 12 months, and applications are open until June 30, 2026.
Eligibility criteria stipulate that applicants must not have any non-performing loans (NPLs). The capital injection under the "relief" and "rehabilitation" measures is designated for entrepreneurs whose businesses or residences are located in flood-affected areas, as declared by the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, with requisite evidence of flood impact.