THAI BANKS FACE LITTLE THREAT FROM VIRTUAL ENTRANTS

Thailand's incumbent banks are safe in the near term from disruption that may come from the new virtual banks that are launching in 2026.

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These three new virtual banks will have to operate under regulatory restrictions in the next three to five year period, says Moody's Ratings in a June 2025 commentary.

Under the BOT's licensing framework, virtual banks will gradually increase their capital to at least $306m (THB10b) from $153m (THB5b) during the restricted phase.