Bangkok: SME D Bank has joined forces with public and private sector partners to launch 96 "SME Support Centers" nationwide. These centers offer a "3-step" approach: capital, knowledge, and opportunities for sustainable debt relief. These help Thai SMEs overcome the crisis and move towards strong and sustainable growth.
According to Thai News Agency, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank), in collaboration with partner agencies from both the public and private sectors, has launched the "SME D Bank." This center aims to provide comprehensive and rigorous assistance to SME entrepreneurs, including financial support and development to enhance the potential of Thai SMEs, enabling them to overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable growth, in line with the "Difficulty, Pull, Push" policy.
Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkhongchana, Minister of Industry, revealed that the rapidly changing global economic situation has severely impacted the business sector, particularly SMEs. The Ministry of Industry's current mission is not just to care for large industries or factories, but also to help SMEs "survive" and "restructure" for sustainable growth. The Ministry of Industry has therefore established the "Strive, Pull, Push" policy, which aligns with the government's "Quick Big Win" policy, which focuses on addressing urgent, short-term economic issues with long-term, widespread impact.
Mr. Pichit Mitrawong, Managing Director of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank), stated that the "SME D Bank" is open at all SME D Bank branches, currently numbering 96, covering all provinces nationwide. Its key feature is the integration of the capabilities and expertise of each of its partner agencies, which initially comprise approximately 15, to provide systematic assistance to SMEs through a one-stop service platform. This comprehensive service utilizes technology to support fast, prompt service delivery and continuous monitoring.
The "SME Support Center" offers three key services: First, "Capital Top-Up" provides access to loans with a special interest rate of just 3% per annum, fixed for the first three years, with repayments over a maximum of 10 years, and a maximum loan amount of 15 million baht. These loans can be used to enhance liquidity, invest, or upgrade businesses. These loans include the "SME Green Productivity" loan, the "SME Empowerment" loan, and the "Beyond SME Wings" loan.
The second area is "Adding Knowledge" to comprehensive business development via the DX by SME D Bank platform (dx.smebank.co.th). Conveniently accessible 24/7, the service offers key features such as a "Business Health Check" system for business health checks; an "E-Learning" system that compiles key knowledge courses to enhance business potential; an "SME D Activity" system that allows for reservations for year-round knowledge-enhancing activities; an "SME D Coach" system that provides professional coaches to advise and provide business guidance; an "SME D Market" system that expands markets with an e-marketplace for business matching; and an "SME D Privilege" system that offers special privileges and business-strengthening tools to help Thai SMEs transition smoothly into the digital age.
And the third aspect is "Adding Opportunities" to solve debt problems sustainably, helping vulnerable groups rehabilitate their businesses with the "3 Reductions, Debt Relief" measures: 1. Reduce installments, adjust the repayment limit according to the business's capabilities; 2. Reduce the principal, restructure, increase business flexibility; and 3. Reduce outstanding interest, helping to reduce financial burdens and create opportunities for business recovery.