Bangkok: The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCGC) has reported a significant increase in its loan guarantee volume, which grew 2.87 times in the first quarter of 2026. This growth aligns with the government's efforts to assist small businesses and enhance SMEs' access to credit.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Sittikorn Direksuntorn, Director and General Manager of the Small and Medium Enterprise Credit Guarantee Corporation (SMEG), disclosed that SMEG's credit guarantee volume for the first quarter of 2026 reached 23,448 million baht. This figure represents 33% of its annual target of over 70,000 million baht and marks a 2.87-fold year-on-year increase. This achievement has supported loan growth, which had been negative for 14 consecutive quarters, resulting in an increase of 26,032 million baht. The initiative benefited 27,353 SMEs and micro-SMEs, preserved 195,641 jobs, and generated economic benefits of 96,842 million baht. A pivotal factor in this success was the 'SMEG Quick Big Win Credit Guarantee Measure,' a government measure aimed at increasing liquidity for SMEs without collateral or guarantors.
The Quick Big Win credit guarantee measure, with a budget limit of 50 billion baht, has already provided guarantees totaling 24,864 million baht since its launch in mid-December 2025. This measure has assisted 30,684 SMEs in securing loans, offering features such as free guarantee fees for the first three years and a seven-year guarantee term. The implementation of TCGC's TCG Score credit scoring tool for risk-based pricing (RBP) fees and an increased NPL compensation rate further encourages financial institutions to lend to SMEs.
The services, food and beverages, and manufacturing sectors were the top beneficiaries, accounting for 53.3% of the guarantees. The Bangkok region saw the highest proportion of guarantees at 48%, followed by other regions like the Northeast and the South.
In addition to facilitating access to loans, TCGC is focused on debt restructuring through the "TCGC Ready to Help" program. In the first quarter, the program assisted 1,575 debtors in restructuring debts totaling 630 million baht and helped 384 debtors clear their debts. The program offers principal reductions of up to 50% for vulnerable groups and up to 40% for SMEs with larger outstanding debts. TCGC also continues to organize activities like the "TCGC Ready to Guarantee, Ready to Help Year 2" campaign to support debtors and provide financial advice.
Dr. Sittikorn emphasized TCGC's commitment to supporting SMEs, especially in light of rising operating costs due to geopolitical tensions. This includes initiatives like the loan guarantee measure for the hire-purchase of pickup trucks, which has been extended to the end of 2026. This measure supports SMEs in acquiring vehicles, including electric pickup trucks, amid the current energy crisis.
Furthermore, TCGC is developing the "SMEs First" platform to enhance SMEs' access to credit. This platform will serve as a gateway to connect SMEs with financial service providers, aiming to improve financial inclusion and support the grassroots economy.
SMEs facing challenges can seek advice from the SME Financial Advisory Centers across the country or through TCG's online channels. Dr. Sittikorn reiterated TCGC's goal to support SMEs in achieving sustainable growth and adapting to financial innovations.