The Ministry of Finance has directed Krung Thai Bank to adopt a proactive approach in supporting investments in the development projects of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), particularly in targeted industries aligned with the Industry 4.0 policy. It emphasizes that Krung Thai Bank has high potential to instill investor confidence as a major national bank with the Ministry of Finance as its major shareholder.

        Deputy Finance Minister Santipong Phonphakdi revealed after a meeting to provide policy guidance to the executives of Krung Thai Bank that the bank is a highly capable financial institution in supporting government policies due to its status as a major national bank with the Ministry of Finance as its major shareholder. This is especially true for supporting investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) or the Industry 4.0 policy by leading the provision of loans for investments in related industries, including robotics, smart electronics, digital systems, and modern automotive industries, as well as investments in industries considered to be the future.

“Given Krung Thai's potential, it should adopt a proactive working approach to create incentives for entrepreneurs and investors to initiate pilot projects supporting investments in the EEC by designating targeted industry groups. This will help awaken investor interest and confidence that Krung Thai is ready to support funding. The characteristics of Krung Thai align with the government's framework, which aims for it to play a key role in supporting the country's economic development. Therefore, I would like to encourage Krung Thai to consider ways to extend credit to instill confidence in the business sector, possibly through pilot projects,” he stated.

       Regarding Krung Thai's operations, it has already disbursed over 2 trillion baht in loans, with non-performing loans (NPL) exceeding 100 billion baht and non-performing assets (NPA) exceeding 40 billion baht. It is believed that Krung Thai will manage these levels appropriately, as the bank's operations will support entrepreneurs and provide opportunities until the end.

“Currently, the development of credit has advanced significantly in many countries around the world. I believe that providing opportunities is beneficial, but in many cases, if customers cannot operate effectively due to changes in technology or innovation, or shifts in global trends, the bank still tries to provide opportunities. I do not want to say whether this is right or wrong, but I see that in many large businesses, if they cannot succeed, they cannot succeed. This may require changing or improving the operators; otherwise, not only will the bank's assets be utilized without generating income for the economy, but it will also harm the economy. Therefore, I would like to urge the bank to take care of these matters,” Santipong concluded.