Bangkok: The SME Bank has announced a series of urgent measures to aid small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the recent earthquake. The measures include waiving fees for a period of six months and suspending debt payments for three installments.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sittikorn Direksunthon, Director and General Manager of the Small Industry Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG), expressed concern over the impact of the earthquake, which occurred on the afternoon of March 28, 2025. The TCG is particularly worried about the well-being of the public, customers, and SME entrepreneurs. In response, the organization has taken swift action to support SME entrepreneurs whose businesses suffered damage, potentially affecting their liquidity. The goal is to help these businesses resume operations as quickly as possible.
The urgent measures from SME Bank aim to alleviate the financial burden on affected customers and debtors. Specifically, the bank will suspend the payment of fees for six months for customers and halt debt installment payments for three installments for debtors. These measures are applicable to:
– SME Bank customers: A six-month suspension of payment of fees and guarantee management fees is offered to those whose payments are due between March 28 and April 30, 2025.
– SME Bank debtors: A suspension of three installment payments is available for debtors who are complying with a debt restructuring plan and are not in default. Requests for payment suspension can be submitted from March 28 to April 30, 2025.
Additionally, the TCG is actively monitoring the situation in other provinces that may become disaster areas. District Offices nationwide have been tasked with surveying, inspecting, and publicizing the relief measures. The TCG is also dispatching teams to provide further assistance in the affected regions. SME entrepreneurs, whether customers or TCG debtors, can seek more information and details about the measures at their local district offices or through LINE OA TCG First (@tcgfirst) and the TCG Call Center at 02-890-9999.