Thailand: Thai Banks Witness Increase In Consumer Loans During 2005

According to Bank of Thailand’s statistics consumer loans issued by all commercial banks increased 24% to over THB1 trillion (US$25 billion), during 2005.

According to Bank of Thailand‘s statistics consumer loans issued by all commercial banks increased 24% to over THB1 trillion (US$25 billion), during 2005. BOT noted that other loans witnessed relatively slower growth. Industrial loans increased 7.5% to THB1.5 trillion (US$38 billion), wholesale and retail loans increased 3.7% to THB944.8 billion (US$24 billion), and construction loans increased 6% to THB167 billion (US$4 billion).

BOT reported that aggregate bank loans increased by 8.7% to THB5.7 trillion (US$145 billion). BOT further reported that banks’ credit card divisions performed well during 2005. The number of cards issued increased 15.2% to reach 10 million numbers and loans by banks as well as non-banks, on credit cards, increased 21% to THB143.5 billion (US$4 billion). Mortgage loans improved by 15% to THB 586.9bn, accounting for nearly 60% of overall consumer lending.