The Thai Bankers' Association and member banks assure customers of their readiness to provide financial assistance and support in discussions with the Bank of Thailand regarding measures to assist customers and plan for preparedness for any situations that may arise during this period, ensuring that customers and the general public can continue to conduct transactions seamlessly. 

They are also preparing sufficient cash across all channels and recommend using electronic payment systems to reduce the risk of COVID-19, while providing assistance to individual and business customers affected through each bank's relief measures. Recently, they have increased support under a low-interest loan program for entrepreneurs, with a total budget of 150 billion baht.  

Mr. Pridi Daochai, President of the Thai Bankers' Association, revealed that regarding the various situations arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, which has led to the closure of certain service establishments and shops as per the latest announcement from Bangkok, the Thai Bankers' Association and all member banks have planned continuous service provisions to accommodate any potential future situations. They assure that banks will be able to serve customers and users through all channels as usual, especially core services such as deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and various loan services, including assistance to customers to enhance liquidity.

For cash services for customers who need to use cash, all banks have prepared sufficient cash across all channels, including branches and ATMs. However, in such situations, to reduce the risk of COVID-19, customers are encouraged to use electronic payment systems, which allow transactions anytime and anywhere through mobile banking and internet banking of all banks. All banks have ensured that their electronic payment systems can handle the increasing transaction volumes and manage money market transactions smoothly, ensuring that the country's core financial services can continue even if the outbreak worsens.

For individual and business customers affected both directly and indirectly by the current economic situation, banks have implemented relief measures that have gradually assisted customers since February. These include allowing customers to pay only interest without having to repay the principal or reducing the minimum monthly payments. Banks are in contact to assist customers, but if customers encounter problems and have not been contacted by their bank, they can immediately reach out to their service bank for assistance. In terms of customer support from financial institutions, it has been reported that recently, the banking system has restructured debts for approximately 30,000 accounts, amounting to 234 billion baht, which includes payment deferrals, interest rate reductions, and extended repayment periods to alleviate customer burdens.

Most recently, on March 20, 2020, the Government Savings Bank and 17 financial institutions signed an MOU for a low-interest loan (Soft Loan) project to assist entrepreneurs affected both directly and indirectly by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Government Savings Bank supports low-interest funding totaling 150 billion baht for financial institutions to lend to affected entrepreneurs, with a maximum loan amount of 20 million baht per entity, an interest rate of 2% per year, and a repayment period of 2 years. Entrepreneurs seeking funds to enhance liquidity and revive their businesses can apply for loans starting now, with funds expected to be disbursed by early April.

Nevertheless, the Thai Bankers' Association and member banks are committed to helping every bank customer overcome this crisis together. We continuously assess the situation and adjust our plans to assist and support customers financially. Therefore, we urge all customers to have confidence. For all affected customers who have not yet received assistance, please contact the call centers of all banks immediately for help.