Bangkok: Amidst challenging economic conditions, the Government Housing Bank (GHB) is taking groundbreaking steps to ensure housing accessibility for Thais, even as high living costs and soaring oil prices impact consumer purchasing power. Under the leadership of Dr. Mahatthana Ampornphisit, Managing Director, GHB announced its "Beyond Housing Bank" roadmap, marking a shift towards innovation and a broader role beyond traditional housing banking.
According to Thai News Agency, GHB has demonstrated resilience by disbursing over 50 billion baht in new loans during the first quarter of the year, achieving nearly 6% growth compared to the same period last year. This success comes despite the overall housing loan market exhibiting negative growth and challenges posed by high household debt. Dr. Mahatthana emphasizes the persistent demand for housing, noting the bank's commitment to supporting aspiring homeowners through initiatives like the "Financial Literacy School."
GHB's "Financial Literacy School" is a key component of its approach, offering a nurturing program for those whose loan applications might initially fall short. Instead of outright rejection, GHB provides applicants with resources to improve their financial management. By demonstrating discipline over 12 months, participants increase their chances of loan approval, ensuring housing access for low- and middle-income groups.
The transformation into "Beyond Housing Bank" involves adopting startup principles to address customer pain points. GHB is leveraging big data and AI to create personalized products and improve service delivery. The bank is also expanding into green finance, offering environmentally friendly loans, such as solar rooftop loans at special interest rates, to help reduce long-term energy costs.
In its quest to become a comprehensive service center for the housing ecosystem, GHB plans to connect with developers and provide financial advice. The use of technology, including chatbots and augmented reality, will enhance customer experiences, particularly in visualizing home decorations for NPA properties.
Dr. Mahatthana reaffirms GHB's commitment to maintaining its image as a stable and caring state-owned bank, positioning itself as a trusted housing partner for Thais, even as the world becomes more digital.