Stimulus schemes likely to boost SME loan demand

The government's economic stimulus measures, which are scheduled to be rolled out in the final quarter of this year, are expected to help boost business confidence and increase the demand for loans among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

- WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

Pichit Mitrawong, president of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank), said confidence among SME entrepreneurs in the fourth quarter is expected to rise, while loan demand is likely to double compared to the third quarter.

He cited a joint survey conducted by the bank’s Research and Data Center and Excellent Business Management Co on “SME Entrepreneurs’ Confidence Index toward the Economy and Business in the third quarter of 2025 and Future Outlook,’ which covered 500 SME entrepreneurs nationwide, across all industries.

The SME confidence index forecast for the fourth quarter of 2025 indicates a more optimistic business outlook, with the index rising to 80.6 compared to 67.1 in this year’s third quarter. This was driven by expectations of higher sales, supported by anticipated government policies to stimulate economic recovery, encourage investment, and promote business expansion, especially among SMEs.