Corporate loans propel bank growth

Thailand's major banks have reported steady loan growth in the first half of 2026, according to a Bangkok Post report published on 29 July 2026, with corporate lending emerging as the primary driver across the sector.

The six domestic systemically important banks in Thailand, namely Krungthai Bank, Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), and TMBThanachart Bank, reported a combined loan portfolio of 13.6 trillion baht as of June 2026. This represents an increase of 2.6% from the end of 2025 and 1.6% from the end of March 2026.

A notable development in the sector is that Krungthai Bank has overtaken Bangkok Bank to become Thailand's largest lender by total assets as of June 2026. KTB reported consolidated loans of 2.81 trillion baht, up 3.6% from end-2025, with government and state enterprise lending rising sharply by 12.9% in the first half.

Kasikornbank recorded the strongest growth among the group, with loans to customers totalling 2.56 trillion baht, up 4.48% in the first half, driven by corporate lending. Bangkok Bank reported outstanding loans of 2.68 trillion baht, up 2.7% from end-2025, with growth attributed to large corporate clients and its international network.

SCB X reported loan growth of 2.2% in the first half, with corporate loans rising 9.3%. However, several retail segments contracted significantly, with SME loans down 9.8%, auto loans falling 19.6%, and unsecured loans declining 83.1%. Krungsri posted modest overall growth of 0.4%, with its corporate banking portfolio expanding 6.0%, while SME lending declined 4.2%.

Across the sector, SME borrowing remained notably weak, even as corporate lending picked up momentum. Banks consistently cited prudent credit management, portfolio quality, and risk-adjusted returns as guiding priorities in the current economic environment.

For business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs operating in Thailand, the lending landscape reflects a banking sector that is selective and focused on quality over volume. Understanding how these trends affect access to finance is increasingly relevant when structuring business or investment plans here.

If you have questions about business structures, financing arrangements, or legal considerations for operating in Thailand, the team at SLF Legal in Koh Samui is here to help.