Bangkok: The SME Bank has announced an urgent measure to suspend payment of fees and installments for six months to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) impacted by the recent floods in the southern regions of Thailand. This initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief to businesses struggling to recover from the catastrophic events.
According to Thai News Agency, the SME Bank's decision is part of a broader effort to assist SMEs in the affected areas, specifically targeting those in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province, which have been severely impacted by the flooding. Mr. Sitthikorn Direksunthon, Director and General Manager of the Small and Medium Enterprise Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG), emphasized the urgency of these measures to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. TCG is extending assistance to its customers and debtors to help them continue operations during this challenging period.
The relief measures are divided into two main categories. Firstly, for customers, the SME Bank has waived the payment of loan guarantee fees and guarantee management fees. This applies to SME entrepreneurs whose loans are guaranteed by the SME Bank, with payments originally due from November 14, 2025, to December 15, 2025. These fees will now be postponed for an additional six months from the original due date.
Secondly, for debtors, the bank has introduced a six-month suspension of payments. This applies to those whose claims have been paid by the SME Bank and are currently adhering to a debt restructuring plan without being in default. Applications for this assistance will be accepted within the same time frame, from November 14, 2025, to December 15, 2025.
This strategic intervention by the SME Bank is expected to provide much-needed relief and support the economic recovery of affected regions in the aftermath of the floods.