BOT to launch SME Credit Portal matching businesses in Dec 2026

The Bank of Thailand or BOT is preparing to launch a centralized web portal named SME Credit Portal, designed to act as a matchmaker between small and medium-sized enterprises seeking capital and financial institutions ready to extend loans. The central bank expects the platform to officially roll out by December 2026 to alleviate financing hurdles faced by local entrepreneurs.

Mr. Ronkorn Ratanakorn, Governor of the BOT, detailed the project during an exclusive financial editorial interview on August 17, 2026, and reaffirmed the timeline during a special lecture hosted by TNN16 on September 9, 2026. He noted that SME credit accessibility remains a critical structural challenge, with BOT data as of September 9 indicating that SME lending in the system has contracted for 16 straight quarters.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

The root of the issue stems from both sides of the market. Most enterprises start businesses using personal cash reserves and lack proper channels to connect with commercial banking networks. Meanwhile, lenders face a non-performing loan or NPL ratio of 9.5% for SME portfolios, prompting them to restrict lending or charge higher interest rates to offset perceived risks.

"We must resolve Asymmetric Information to establish a centralized data hub where both sides can find each other."

Mr. Ronkorn Ratanakorn

This market gap is what the SME Credit Portal aims to resolve by eliminating information imbalances between borrowers and lenders. Through the platform, entrepreneurs can input fundamental corporate data, such as business type, location, and preliminary financial statements, allowing financial institutions to review and advance applications to deeper evaluation stages.