The Bank of Thailand reported that the banking system maintained robust capital, loan-loss provisions and liquidity in the second quarter of 2026. Loans at licensed banks and their subsidiaries grew 2% year over year, driven by large corporate demand for working capital amid higher energy and raw material costs, while lending to small and medium-sized enterprises and consumers continued to contract because of persistently high credit risks. Gross non-performing loans declined to THB 534.8 billion as banks intensified problem-loan management, while the NPL ratio remained stable at 2.82%. Stage 2 loans fell to 6.78%, partly because some vulnerable borrowers migrated to NPL status and others improved in credit quality. Commercial bank profits rose year over year, supported by fair-value gains, securities brokerage fees, lower provisioning expenses and improved cost management, offsetting weaker net interest income following lending-rate reductions and borrower assistance. Middle East conflict-related uncertainty and Thailand’s uneven economic recovery could continue to weaken debt-servicing capacity, particularly among vulnerable SMEs and households. The central bank called for close monitoring of asset quality, while government debt-relief measures and continued liquidity support from financial institutions are expected to cushion the impact.
2026-08-18Bank of Thailand
Bank of Thailand reports resilient banking system, 2% loan growth and stable 2.82% NPL ratio
The Bank of Thailand reported a resilient banking system in the second quarter of 2026, with loans growing 2% year over year and the NPL ratio stable at 2.82%. Corporate lending expanded, but SME and consumer loans contracted amid high credit risks. The central bank flagged continued asset-quality risks from Middle East uncertainty and Thailand’s uneven economic recovery.