General
Kasikornbank Projects Modest SME Loan Growth for 2026
Kasikornbank anticipates 1-2% growth in SME lending for 2026 and expresses support for extending the SME Credit Boost program.
According to a report by Prachachat Business, Kasikornbank (KBank) has forecasted that its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loan portfolio will grow by 1-2% in 2026. Rungruang Sookkerdkitpiboon, President of KBank, noted that while SME debt levels remain stable, the bank is maintaining a strategy of close customer monitoring to manage potential risks.
Regarding government support, the bank indicated that if the Ministry of Finance decides to extend the 'SME Credit Boost' program, it would be beneficial for entrepreneurs. KBank has confirmed its readiness to participate in such an initiative should it be expanded.
For residents and business owners in Thailand, this projection suggests a cautious but stable outlook for the SME sector, which forms a significant part of the local economy. While the bank expects modest growth, the focus remains on debt management and liquidity support. It is important to note that the extension of the SME Credit Boost program is currently a matter of assessment; it has not yet been officially enacted by the Ministry of Finance. Stakeholders should await further announcements from government authorities to confirm if the credit support measures will be continued.