Reference is made to Bangkok Bank’s announcement of temporary closure of services for system maintenance to enhance service efficiency from Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:30 p.m. to Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.

The Bank would like to postpone the above system maintenance schedule to comply with the current situation and respond to measures and practices according to Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s guidelines for the control and prevention of Covid-19 until the situation is resolved. The Bank will advise the new schedule in the future.

Therefore, you will be able to use the Bank’s services as usual.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused. For more information, please call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

The Thai economic recovery in the second quarter of 2021 was affected by the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic leading to a deterioration in various economic indicators, including consumer confidence, which fell to a 19-year low, impacting consumption and investment by the private sector. With international travel restrictions remaining in place, the tourism sector has been unable to recover. However, Thailand’s exports grew strongly in line with a robust economic recovery in key trading partners and this has been a predominant supporting factor for the Thai economy, together with government spending. Thailand continues to face a high degree of uncertainty from the pandemic situation with thousands of new infections recorded on a daily basis. Given the prolonged outbreak, mutation of the virus, the fact that the proportion of vaccinated people is not yet high enough, and that the reopening of borders for tourism has just started, continual government measures are still needed to sustain the economic recovery and support affected business operators and retail debtors.

Bangkok Bank has continued to support government measures and accelerated its help to provide customers with appropriate assistance in line with their individual situations since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. At the same time, the Bank has prioritized risk management, while maintaining its financial stability, liquidity levels and strong capital position.

Bangkok Bank and its subsidiaries reported net profit of Baht 13,280 million for the first half of 2021

The Bank and its subsidiaries reported net profit for the first half of 2021 amounting to Baht 13,280 million. The net interest income increased by 4.8 percent due mainly to the consolidation of Permata since May 2020, while the net interest margin stood at 2.12 percent, decreased from the same period of 2020 following multiple interest rate cut during the first half of last year. Net fees and service income rose by 18.8 percent, due to fee income from bancassurance and mutual funds services and fee from securities business, as well as the consolidation of Permata’s fee income. The cost to income ratio was 49.5 percent. Meanwhile, the Bank set aside expected credit losses under its prudent approach as the Bank continued to assess the potential impact from the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic on the Thai economy and to prepare for and accommodate uncertainty.

Bangkok Bank continues to maintain a healthy financial position, high liquidity and capital positions, under its prudent management approach, in response to a delay in the economic recovery and a continued increase in uncertainties

At the end of June 2021, the Bank’s total loans a mounted to Baht 2,420,305 million, an increase of 2.2 percent from the end of last year, owing to increases in loans to business customers and loans made through the international network. Nonetheless the non-performing loan ratio remained at 3.7 percent. The Bank continues to set aside expected credit losses in response to the potential impacts from a prolonged Covid-19 outbreak on the Thai economy, driven a ratio of loan loss reserves to non-performing loan remaining strong at 190.3 percent.

As of June 30, 2021, the Bank’s deposits amounted to Baht 3,046,985 million, an increase of 8.4 percent from the end of December 2020. The rise reflected customers’ desire to maintain their highly liquid assets during a time of uncertainty. Accordingly, the loan to deposit ratio stood at 79.4 percent. In terms of capital, the Bank’s total capital adequacy ratio, Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio, and Common Equity Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio of the Bank and its subsidiaries stood at 18.4 percent, 15.9 percent and 15.0 percent respectively, comfortably above the Bank of Thailand’s minimum capital requirements.

 

Registrations can be made online from July 19.

In response to BOT measures, Bangkok Bank has launched an urgent two-month loan payment holiday to help business operators and consumers affected by the government’s recent lockdown measures. Registrations can be made through several service channels including online at www.bangkokbank.com and via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking from July 19, 2021 to August 15, 2021. Previous relief measures offered by the Bank will remain in place until December 31, 2021. This highlights the Bank’s commitment as a trusted partner who is working to help customers through this difficult time.

Bangkok Bank Director and Senior Executive Vice President Suvarn Thansathit said Bangkok Bank is responding to the BOT’s guidelines on assisting its borrowers who have had to close their businesses to comply with the government’s recent lockdown measures. The Bank has launched an additional relief measure by offering a two-month loan payment holiday. Registrations can be made on several channels from July 19, 2021 to August 15, 2021.

“Eligible customers are those with SME loans and consumer loans who live in dark-red zone provinces and other affected areas who have had to close their businesses in line with elevated restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19. New restrictions have been imposed in 10 provinces: Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Narathiwat, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Yala, Samut Prakarn, Samut Sakhon and Songkhla. Customers can request assistance at Bangkok Bank business centers and branches nationwide, Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555, www.bangkokbank.com and via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking.

Customers whose businesses are able to stay open but have experienced reduced income due to the government’s measures to prevent further Covid-19 spread can contact the Bank for advice and support tailored to their unique situation.

Mr. Suvarn added that the Bank will extend its existing supportive measures to December 31, 2021 to support all groups of customers. The Bank is focused on providing support to all customer groups in a timely manner. When the government announces additional measures to prevent further Covid-19 spread, the Bank will study the impact on customers and prepare measures or policies to ensure comprehensive support. In the meantime, the Bank will continue its regular policy to support and help customers through any difficult situation. The Bank is a trusted partner who stays close to customers in all situations.

Customers whose businesses are affected by Covid-19 outbreak can check for more information about the supportive measures and request support from the Bank’s business centers at branches nationwide, by calling Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555, by registering online at https://www.bangkokbank.com/COVID19-Update, or via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking. Customers who still have the ability to repay their debt can use regular services and make loan repayments as usual.

 

Bangkok Bank Vice President for Public Relations Suwit Indrachalerm (2nd from right), Metropolitan Consumer Banking’s Regional Manager 9 Sirikun Chaiyasing (right) and Assistant Branch Manager of Thammasat University Rangsit Campus Lalita Thongchang (left) presented a scholarship to Isaree Saweangsiriphon (2nd from left), a student in the Master of Arts in Business Economics (English Program), Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University. This is the 14th year Bangkok Bank has supported students in this program for the benefit of the university and the country in general. The scholarship presentation ceremony was held at room 403, 4th floor, Faculty of Economics building, Thammasat University (Tha Phra Chan Campus), and was joined by Assistant Professor Dr. Supachai Srisuchart, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University.

The graduate program was founded by Professor Dr. Puey Ungphakorn in 1969 to provide a high-quality, full-time program on par with international standards.

 

Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking is continuously adding new features to meet the needs of mobile investment and financial transactions while providing financial services anytime, anywhere to meet today’s digital lifestyle. Highlights include mutual funds account opening, international funds transfers, and transactions via Foreign Currency Deposit (FCD) account and account re-activation with an account number and facial authentication in line with the trends of mobile banking.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Prassanee Ouiyamaphan said that the Bank continues to develop its friendly and accessible platform for users in line with the “Same, same but different because we understand you better” concept.

Recently, Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking has updated its new features to enhance the experience and meet customer’s needs in various applications covering the following areas:

Enhance your investment experience: Invest more easily with mutual funds account opening for current users of Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking. This function enables quick mutual fund account opening for general funds and tax saving funds of BBL Asset Management and Bangkok Capital Asset Management. This function also allows customers to make a first-time buy order for a new fund or during an IPO period without visiting a branch.

For scripless bonds, not only can customers subscribe to the new bonds, but they can also display account details of government bonds, including bond details and subscription history, without having to update the bond passbook at a branch.

Enhance your international financial transaction experience: Make international funds transfers more easily via SWIFT in 17 currencies to 124 countries worldwide with a daily transfer limit up to 1.5 million baht with lower fees compared to making the transaction at a branch. Customers can make international funds transfers immediately without applying for the service or submitting any documents.

In addition, the FCD account has extended funds transfers to 14 currencies with a transfer limit of 3 million baht per transaction with no daily limit. This enables customers to better manage cash flow and foreign exchange risk.

Enhance Digital Experiences and Lifestyles: More convenience and a streamlined digital lifestyle experience. Safely reactivate the application on a new mobile phone without the need to visit branches or ATM by downloading the application, entering your account or debit card number, and verifying your identity with facial authentication using the application. New features have also been added to fit your preferences: Bill Alert – never miss any payments again; and Note – categorize your expenses and insert stickers, emoji and special characters. In line with the reopening of the country, the Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking app also allows customers to purchase travel insurance and receive their policy via email after a successful transaction.

Bangkok Bank also makes it possible for customers to make financial transactions without any restrictions on time and place as well as providing them with convenient and safe financial services. Customers can now open an e-Savings account anytime, anywhere. New customers who do not have a Bangkok Bank deposit account just need to download the Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking app, open an e-Savings account with no minimum deposit and apply for a Be1st Smart Debit Card with no charges on entry and first-year fees (From January 11 - December 31, 2021). For identification, customers need to bring along their Citizen ID card to the Be My ID service points at any Bangkok Bank branch or Kerry Express nationwide.

“We always value and listen to the voice of our customers in order to improve and deliver maximum satisfaction for users, which reflects our intention of being a "trusted partner" for customers at all times. We have never stopped developing products and services that reflect changing needs and behaviors and which use technology to reduce hassles and complexity to deliver a good experience for all groups of customers.”

Mrs. Prassanee added that current consumer behavior indicates that customers prefer to manage their transactions by themselves through smartphones, without going to a branch. According to the Bank of Thailand, in the first quarter of 2021, more than 3.2 billion transactions were made by Thais via mobile banking, up around 10 percent from the previous quarter, and 88 percent from the same period last year. The total transaction value was over 11 trillion baht, up around 10 percent from the previous quarter and 57 percent from the same period last year. In terms of the growth of Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking, the number of users at the end of 2020 increased by 17 percent from 2019, with growth of 60 percent on the number of transactions via a mobile banking platform. The Bank expects to see growth of about 30 percent in the number of users by the end of 2021, or a total of more than 13 million users, according to its target.

The Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking app is available for customers to update and use from today onwards. To follow up on the new features and other interesting information, please visit Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official or call 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

American Express has signed a partnership with Bangkok Bank to rapidly expand acceptance of its cards in Thailand as American Express accelerates its growth in the country. For Bangkok Bank, this agreement strengthens its merchant services offerings as a one-stop payment service provider.

Under the partnership, Bangkok Bank will sign up merchants to accept American Express cards in Thailand and provide American Express Card Members and merchants with access to Bangkok Bank’s vast contactless Electronic Data Capture (EDC) and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal network. Even more Thai local businesses will also be able to access American Express global network and over 114 million Card Members worldwide, including American Express Card Members in Thailand who on average spend 2.5 times more than card members of other credit card companies.

“Thailand is an important part of American Express’ global strategy and this long-term partnership with Bangkok Bank supports our plan to accelerate our market share in the premium and affluent segments,” said Mr. Marlin Brown, Vice President and Country Manager, American Express in Thailand. “As we expand our presence, our Card Members can use their cards at significantly more locations and drive more premium business to local merchants. In addition, we fully expect our Card Members globally to return to Thailand – a top tourist destination – once the pandemic is over, driving even more spending to local merchants.”

Mr. Shoke Na Ranong, Bangkok Bank, Executive Vice President and Credit Card Division Manager said, “With this partnership, Bangkok Bank is the first bank in Thailand to accept all major card brands and various types of payment. This will not only enhance business opportunities for Thai businesses, but also accommodate the changing customer behaviours in this new normal environment as the online shopping trend continues and the country moves towards a cashless society. Businesses with the capability to receive payments in various ways will have a better opportunity to grow.”

American Express has partnered Bangkok Bank since 1999 and Bangkok Bank has since issued three American Express card products in Thailand. Today, Bangkok Bank is a leading acquirer bank with 100,000 merchants accepting payment cards and 150,000 EDC covering a wide range of businesses.

In addition, both organisations will work together on technology development and add more secure payment options online to serve the growing trend of e-commerce, especially during the pandemic. This will give American Express Card Members access to Bangkok Bank’s internet payment gateway and QR payment platform, allowing them to make transactions at even more businesses.

Merchants or businesses interested in installing Bangkok Bank’s EDC or merchants wanting to upgrade their EDC to accept payments from American Express Card Members can email Bangkok Bank at Callcentre.mer@bangkokbank.com or call 0 2638 4808.


About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at https://www.americanexpress.com/th/en/ and connect with us on www.facebook.com/AmericanExpressThailand, instagram.com/americanexpress, twitter.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express and youtube.com/americanexpress.

About Bangkok Bank

Bangkok Bank, established in 1944, is Thailand’s largest bank and the 6th largest Southeast Asian bank by total assets (worth 3,822,959.68 million baht as of December 31, 2020). A leading diversified regional bank in Southeast Asia, it has more than 17 million customer accounts and 1,000 branches in Thailand.

It is Thailand’s leading international bank with more than 300 branches in 14 economies outside of its home market. Bangkok Bank has a presence in nine ASEAN countries as well as branches in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Its major international subsidiaries are PermataBank, one of Indonesia’s top 10 banks by total assets with 300+ branches in 62 cities in Indonesia, Bangkok Bank (China) with six branches across the major regions in China, and Bangkok Bank Berhad with five branches in Malaysia.

 

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Dr. Thaweelap Rittapirom (2nd from left) and Metropolitan Regional 3 Manager Miss Khanarath Kittirojjanatham (far left) donated 90,000 bottles of drinking water with the Bank’s logo to Mrs. Wanna Phermsuwan, Senior Executive Vice President of The Mall Group (2nd from right) and Mrs. Natsamon Vongkittipat, Senior Deputy Managing director of the Mall Group (far right) for the general public and medical staff at the Covid-19 vaccination center at The Mall Ngamwongwan. The Mall Group has joined the private sector network in cooperation with the Thai Retailers Association, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and surrounding provinces to support the government's policy to speed up the distribution of vaccinations to people.

As a trusted partner, Bangkok Bank is ready to stand beside Thai people to face this crisis together. In addition to providing measures to help alleviate financial burdens for both businesses and retail customers, the Bank also supports government projects, including accelerating the vaccine rollout to the wider public, a national agenda to resolve this challenging situation as quickly as possible.

 

Mr. Suchart Chomklin, the Labor Minister, together Mr. Suthi Sukosol, Permanent Secretary of Labor, and Ms. Ampun Thuvavit, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, visited and gave moral support to medical staff and working teams at the Bangkok Bank Club on Srinakarin Road which serves as a vaccination center for members under Section 33 of the Social Security Office Area 8 responsible for Bangna, Prawet, Phra Khanong and Suan Luang Districts, to accelerate the distribution of vaccinations to the wider public. They were welcomed by Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President Siridej Aungudomsin, Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom, and Executive Vice President and Manager of Human Resources Division Vetit Assawamangcla.

Labor Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin said, “We would like to thank Bangkok Bank for providing us with the Bangkok Bank Club as a vaccination center for members under Section 33, supporting us and offering convenience throughout the project by preparing the center for our use. Vaccination services for Social Security Fund members under Section 33 over the past three days has been on target, with more than 130,000 people receiving vaccinations from all 45 locations, especially on June 9, with 90% of the registered people receiving their vaccinations.”

“We have seen a few challenges such as queue management but we have worked on solving these issues to provide greater convenience to people. The Labor Ministry’s aim is to offer vaccinations to cover as many areas as possible for Thai and foreign workers. We urge Social Security Fund members who registered for the vaccine to come and get vaccinated to build herd immunity and make the most out of vaccine distribution.”

Bangkok Bank Senior Executive Vice President Siridej Aungudomsin said that as a “trusted partner”, Bangkok Bank stands beside Thai people to overcome this difficult situation. Apart from providing financial assistance, the Bank works with several government agencies to fight the pandemic. The Bank is pleased to collaborate with Bangkok Social Security Office Area 8 to accelerate Covid-19 vaccination to achieve herd immunity by providing Bangkok Bank Club as one of the six vaccination centers in Bangna, Prawet, Phra Khanong and Suan Luang Districts. Among these districts, there are 150,000 Social Security Fund members registered for vaccination. Bangkok Bank Club can accommodate 1,000 people each day. The Bank also provides drinking water for the public and medical workers and staff overseeing the cleaning of common areas and restrooms in compliance with preventive measures issued by government agencies. The center is open from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. every day, from June 7 - July 26, 2021, for members under Section 33 of the Social Security Act.

Members under Section 33 of the Social Security Fund registered for vaccination with Bangkok Social Security Office Area 8 can get more information by calling Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank together with the Social Security Office are providing loans to businesses with a total credit line of 30 billion baht, up to 15 million baht per business entity, to boost liquidity, maintain employment and reduce costs. The loans offer low interest rates, fixed for three years at 2.75% p.a. with collaterals needed, or 4.75% p.a. with no collaterals required or guaranteed by a person or the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG).

Bangkok Bank Director and Senior Executive Vice President Suvarn Thansathit said the Bank is joining Social Security Office for the Loan for Employment Credit Phase 2 scheme (2020-2021) to support businesses registered under the Social Security Office to access funding. The loans can help provide liquidity for businesses, retain employees who are members of the Social Security Office and sustain the businesses through the Covid-19 crisis.

With a budget of 30 billion baht, the project has provided a loan period of three years and up to 15 million baht per business entity with interest rates of 2.75% p.a. with collaterals needed and 4.75% p.a. with no collaterals required or guaranteed by a person or the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG). However, loan approvals are subject to the Bank’s terms and conditions and businesses cannot apply for this loan to refinance existing loans.

Eligible businesses must register with the Social Security Office and have paid contribution to the Social Security Fund for at least three months as well as have been certified as an establishment by the Social Security Office. Once the loan has been approved, businesses must maintain, for the entire duration of loan, not less than 80% of Social Security Fund members in the workplace as of the date the Bank submits the credit approval report to the Social Security Office.

Mr. Suvarn added this program is another form of assistance and support for businesses to access financing and increase their liquidity. The interest rate is fixed for three years with a condition to maintain employment, which has been aimed at reducing financial burdens for business owners, allowing employees to have continued income and partly helping to reduce the impact on the economy.

“At present, most businesses are being affected by the Covid-19 situation. With understanding and care, Bangkok Bank would like to play our part in helping businesses of all levels to be able to access financial services and lending to strengthen liquidity. The Bank has offered direct assistance and provided financial support through various measures initiated by government agencies such as the Bank of Thailand's loan rehabilitation measures and the Social Security’s Loan for Employment Credit Phase 2 scheme. As a trusted partner, the Bank is ready to give advice and help customers in all situations," said Mr. Suvarn.

For more information or applications to the Employment Promotion scheme, please contact Bangkok Bank’s relationship officers at our business centers. Loan applications can be submitted from now to December 31, 2021, or until the issued loan amount has been reached. Customers interested in participating in these measures or other measures of the Bank can look for more information on Bangkok Bank channels including Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom expressed that Bangkok Bank and Bangkok Social Security Office Area 8 join hands to support the government on accelerating Covid-19 vaccination to build the country’s herd immunity by providing the Bangkok Bank Club as a vaccination center for members under Section 33 of the Social Security Act. The Bank has prepared the venue to offer drinking water to those who come for the vaccine and medical staff and has provided staff to help clean common areas and restrooms in the club to prepare for the project, which will last for almost two months.

The vaccination center at Bangkok Bank Club is located in Soi Pramote on Srinakarin Road. It serves as one of six vaccination centers by the Bangkok Social Security Office Area 8 who is responsible for Bangna, Prawet, Phra Khanong and Suan Luang Districts. Within these districts, there are 150,000 social security members registered for vaccine. The Bangkok Bank Club facility in Bangna can accommodate 1,000 people each day and is under strict preventive measures issued by government agencies. The center is open from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. every day, from June 7 - July 26, 2021 for members under section 33 of the Social Security Act.

“As a trusted partner, Bangkok Bank is ready to stand beside and face this crisis together with Thai people. We do not only offer assistance measures to help alleviate financial burdens for both businesses and retail customers, but also support government projects, especially the acceleration of the mass vaccination rollout. This is one of the national agenda items that all parties are able to contribute to in order to get through this difficult situation as quickly as possible,” said Mr. Thaweelap.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour Ms. Aumpun Thuwawit added that the vaccination center for members under Section 33 of the Social Security Act at the Bangkok Bank Club is the 14^th out of 45 centers. The vaccine offered is Astra Zeneca. To receive the first dose of the vaccination, members will have to go through six steps: checking the member’s right to receive the vaccine, registration, health and blood pressure check-up to make sure that member is in good health, recording the member’s information in the system, receiving the vaccination, and moving to the rest area to observe any symptoms for approximately 30 minutes. If there is no sign of any side effects after that, members can go home and return for their second dose at the scheduled time at some point in the following three months.

Members under section 33 who have registered for a vaccination can check the details regarding the vaccination service points at Bangkok Bank Club through all Bangkok Bank channels, including Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official, or ask for more information at Bualuang Phone at 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank joins ShopeePay, the mobile wallet of SeaMoney to offer easy online payment with a cashback of 30 Shopee coins.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Pipat Assamongkol said customers binding their Bangkok Bank account to a ShopeePay account and topping up with 500 baht will receive a Shopee coin cashback to be used as a discount. The discount is valid in the ShopeePay and Shopee applications and can be applied for a purchase made with any merchant. The offer is available for new customers adding a Bangkok Bank account for the first time and existing customers with the following details:

• Customers topping up their ShopeePay with a Bangkok Bank account for the first time will receive a cashback of 30 Shopee coins, equivalent to 30-baht discount, which can be used for a discount on their next purchase. (Limit of one-time cashback per ShopeePay account).
• Customers topping up their ShopeePay with a previously added Bangkok Bank account will receive a cashback of 10 Shopee coins, equivalent to 10-baht discount, which can be used for a discount on their next purchase.

The offer is valid from June 1-30, 2021. Customers interested in the promotion can find more information at Bangkok Bank channels including Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank has developed more comprehensive financial services by joining Thailand Post to expand banking agent coverage and increase touchpoints through a nationwide network of post offices aiming to reach new target group with a promotion of 50% discount on fees until August 31, 2021.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Prassanee Ouiyamaphan said that one of the Bank's key goals is to develop facilities for all target customers so that they will be able to access the Bank’s services at any time and have a good experience doing so. To this end, the Bank has continuously developed physical and digital platforms to be in line with the lifestyle of each customer group. At the same time, the Bank has placed great importance on collaborating with partners to increase touchpoints through banking agents. The Bank has joined with many leading partners such as convenience stores and supermarkets to help customers make instant financial transactions as needed at more than 15,000 service points throughout the country, all of which have been well received by customers.

Mrs. Prasanee added that the Bank has recently expanded its collaboration with Thailand Post to increase its banking agent service points through a network of more than 1,200 post offices nationwide. The pilot begins with cash deposit services at the post office during business hours, with new services following in the next phases. The Bank is focused on delivering convenience in line with a digital lifestyle to provide a seamless experience to all banking service platforms and will carry on the expansion of its banking agents through the collaboration.

Thailand Post Senior Executive Vice President of Marketing Communication and Customer Service Patida Pananond said that Thailand Post partnered with leading banks in 2011 to begin offering banking agent services under the name of Bank@POST. The service has been well received, especially the ability to make cash deposits to bank accounts at post offices across the country, as it offers a convenient, fast and secure service that mirrors a transaction made at the Bank. With Thailand Post’s advantages, abilities and nationwide network coverage, banking services at post offices can be accessible for everyone. Our collaboration with Bangkok Bank is proof that we can answer customers’ increasing needs as well as help Bangkok Bank expand its customer base. We are planning to leverage more financial services at post offices and are ready to partner with new banks to be another financial channel for customers from all walks of life in many areas.

To deposit cash to a Bangkok Bank savings or current account, customers will need to present a Citizen ID card, fill in a deposit form and hand them to an officer at deposit service counter. The maximum deposit limit is 30,000 baht per transaction with a maximum amount of 60,000 baht per day per ID card number. Bangkok Bank customers can now visit more than 1,200 post offices nationwide to do their cash deposits. A service fee of 10 baht per transaction (normal fee of 20 baht per transaction) is available as a special promotion from now until August 31, 2021.

For more information, please visit Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich said the Bank is continuing to take close care of its customers, especially during the Covid-19 outbreak which has widely impacted all business sectors. The Bank understands its customer’s needs and has been providing support to solve their short-term liquidity problems so they can continue their business operations. Since the Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Ministry of Finance have launched financial rehabilitation measures and debt restructuring programs to help businesses affected by the third wave of Covid-19, Bangkok Bank staff have proactively reached out to business owners nationwide to provide advice and ensure they understand the measures so they can benefit from the support in a timely manner. These efforts were well received by customers. With a lending target of 15 billion baht, the Bank’s staff and working systems are ready to support the government measures in helping bank customers, the same way it has previously supported other government policies.

“The Bank has already helped tens of thousands of business owners affected by Covid-19 sustain their businesses through difficult times, which also benefits any business partners, by helping with the adjustment of debt repayments and debt restructuring according to their ability. We have also provided additional loans using soft loans under the measures of the BOT and Ministry of Finance as well as partial loans to boost business liquidity and support employment. When the government launched these extra measures, the Bank was ready to fully provide continuous support.”

Bangkok Bank has placed high importance on looking after affected business customers in line with their issues and supporting them in three phases. The first phase is providing liquidity to sustain the business and employment. The second phase is helping with working capital when businesses have recovered, as customers will need revolving funds to improve their services and produce goods to meet orders. The third phase is supporting their plans when businesses reach a certain point and may need to adjust their business model to suit the changing business environment and market needs. These assistance measures have emphasized Bangkok Bank’s status as a “Trusted Partner and Reliable Close Friend” who stands by your side and is ready to support customers at any time with measures from both the government and the Bank.

The most recent financial rehabilitation measures by the BOT and Finance Ministry are the soft loan facility aimed at increasing liquidity for affected businesses while helping their operations recover with more flexible conditions. Existing customers with a credit line of no more than 500 million baht can seek additional loans of no more than 30% of the credit line as of February 28, 2021. The total amount cannot be more than 150 million baht when combined with any loans from the previous soft loan royal decree. New customers who have no credit line with any financial institutions can obtain loans of up to 20 million baht with credit lines from all financial institutions being taken into account. During the first five years, an average interest rate of no more than 5% per year will be charged with an annual interest rate of 2% during the first two years and an interest subsidy by the Finance Ministry for the first six months. Bangkok Bank waives relevant fees in applying for the loan to support businesses in overcoming this difficult situation. In addition, Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) will provide loan guarantees for all borrowers with a fee of 1.75% per year while the government will provide a subsidy for part of the fee.

The second measure is the asset warehousing scheme aimed at alleviating financial pressure of viable businesses affected by Covid-19 which require a long time to recover by enabling them to transfer their collateral as repayment to the bank at an agreed price. Businesses may lease their assets from the Bank to continue operations at the agreed price and have the first rights to repurchase their collateral after 3-5 years.

Business owners interested in participating in these measures or other measures of the Bank can contact the Bank’s relationship officers, branches or business centers or look for more information from Bangkok Bank channels including Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

In response to the BOT’s phase three relief measures Bangkok Bank is extending its assistance period to December 31, 2021. Measures to reduce customers’ financial burden include extending the credit limit, consolidating debt and tailoring solutions, emphasizing its status as the “trusted partner” for customers in all situations.

Bangkok Bank Director and Senior Executive Vice President Suvarn Thansathit said that in line with the BOT’s phase three relief measures to help the retail customers of financial institutions who are affected by Covid-19, Bangkok Bank is extending the period for these customers to request assistance from June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The assistance measures cover credit card customers and personal loan customers under supervision as well as mortgage and home equity loan customers.

“The Bank is committed to taking care of customers by giving them relief that can support them during difficult situations such as the during the Covid-19 epidemic. All retail customers, including those who have previously received assistance from the Bank but who are still experiencing difficulties due to the most recent outbreak, can request additional support.”

Mr. Suvarn said that the Bank offers many assistance measures to retail customers to reduce their short-term financial burden so they have sufficient money to live on. The measures are tailored to suit each customer’s situation and include reduced installment payments, loan holidays for principal payments, loan holidays for principal payments plus pay partial interest, loan holidays for installment payments, longer repayment terms, and switching from short-term liquidity loans to long-term loans. All credit cardholders are automatically eligible for the minimum repayment rate until 2022.

Customers with mortgages can opt for repayment holidays, lower installment payments, adjust the repayment conditions, and extend the term of their loans. They may also consolidate their debts by combining other unsecured loans with their Bangkok Bank home loan to reduce the interest burden from unsecured loans.

“The Bank understands and cares about its customers, especially in the current situation when they are having difficulties in living and working. Since last year, the Bank has gradually delivered various support measures to reduce the financial burden of customers and has now extended the assistance period. This is to ensure that our customers are well taken care of by the Bank that has always been their “trusted partner” staying by their side in all situations,” said Mr. Suvarn.

Affected customers can get more information about the measures and make their loan request via https://www.bangkokbank.com/COVID19-Update, or visit a bank branch. Meanwhile, customers who are not severely affected or able to pay loan installments can also apply for loans and make loan repayments as usual.

For more information, please visit Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Prassanee Ouiyamaphan said that currently criminals are using various methods to pretend to be a bank in order to request personal information via the Internet, in what is known as “phishing”. They have sent SMS or emails asking customers to edit their personal information to confirm transactions. In the most recent method, criminals have sent an SMS to inform customers that they have received money from the Bank, and asked customers to add friend on “LINE” to get personal information. Or the criminals will send a message through customers’ emails by referring to themselves as the Bank's authorized representative who handles mistaken payment transactions to trick customers into confirming their personal information and giving a copy of their Citizen ID. These will allow criminals to perform financial transactions on customers’ behalf, particularly the transfer of funds from accounts by use of information provided by the customer through this fraudulent means of phishing.

Bangkok Bank has placed great emphasis on security in technology development to meet customers’ behaviors and needs. The Bank prioritizes the safety of all customers and would like them to be careful in performing transactions. The Bank would like to inform all customers that we do not have a policy to send messages via SMS, email, LINE nor other online and social media platforms to request personal information or passwords from customers.

In addition, the Bank would like to emphasize safety measures for transactions in line with guidelines provided by the Thailand Banking Sector CERT (TB-CERT) against phishing attacks as follows:

1. Do not click a link that is sent to you via unknown users on SMS, email, website, social media or chat program such as LINE and Facebook Messenger.
2. Do not reveal your personal information if you are unsure of that request. You are advised to contact the Bank directly.
3. If you find a message or website that is potentially phishing, you should contact the Bank immediately.
4. If you have revealed your information or password, you must contact the Bank to change your password immediately.
5. Apply for SMS Account Alert to track account activity. If you find any suspicious or incorrect activity, you should contact the Bank immediately.

Customers can find information on all Bangkok Bank communication channels including Bangkok Bank website and Bangkok Bank LINE Official. Customers who need advice, services or additional assistance can contact Bangkok Bank at more than 1,000 branches nationwide or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking is launching its new version this year with a “Same, same but different because we understand you better” concept and introducing six video clips to create a friendlier experience for customers. The new version not only showcases outstanding features on the platform to respond to customers’ functional and emotional needs, but also creates closer, easier and more relevant access for a growing number of users and new generations, with the Bank’s aim to increase its user base to more than 13 million users.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Prassanee Ouiyamaphan said Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking had a major design revamp mid-last year, becoming more modern and user-friendly to support user behavior in the New Normal and provide an enhanced experience to users. New features have been added to ensure that the platform understands and fulfills user needs and experiences, as well as comprehensively accommodates various financial transactions. The platform offers a wide variety of investment features for investors and privileges and promotions to help users achieve digital lifestyles in line with the needs of all user groups.

In addition to fulfilling functional needs for all groups of users by enhancing the platform’s capabilities, Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking version 2021 also offers customer-centric storytelling through six videos to communicate with customers. The “Same, same but different because we understand you better” concept intends to reach out to the younger generation and wider audiences to generate awareness and brand engagement on both functional and emotional dimensions.

The story in the videos positions Bangkok Bank with a more friendly and understanding image for its customers, using funny storytelling to meet the preferences of Thai people, especially the new generation, to get more acceptance and engagement from content sharing. There are a total of six videos, divided into five short feature videos and one hero video. The feature videos focus on building awareness and learning of features on the Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking app such as withdrawal and transfer, top up and payment, investments, rewards redemptions and online account opening. The hero video under the concept of “Same, same but different because we understand you better” aims to encourage users to get started on the app with the hashtag saying “#TryItNow” at the end of the clip. The hero video focuses on the Bank’s specific target groups, along with communication through both online and offline channels such as out of home channels in strategic areas that can reach a wide range of customers to make communications most effective.

“As a “trusted partner”, Bangkok Bank has always focused on listening and striving to create the greatest satisfaction for its customers. Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking has been continuously in development to fulfill customer experiences and support today’s digital lifestyles. We are also adding more features to answer all needs, and adjusting the design to be easy to use and convenient to reach out to users and expand to new customer groups, especially the younger generation and those in provincial areas. At present, the Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking app has more than 10 million users and is expected to grow 30% by the end of this year, bringing the number of users to 13 million with an increasing proportion of the younger generation from 31.1% to 40%, enabling us to expand our user base across the country. According to the number of mobile banking transactions in February, the proportion of usage among customers in the Bangkok area accounted for 43.7%, while usage in upcountry areas accounted for 56.3%. This shows continuity and reflects our ability to continually expand our services and user base,” concluded Mrs. Prasanee.

Those interested to watch “Bangkok Bank Mobile Bangkok, change to understand you better” video clips, please visit Bangkok Bank’s YouTube channel. For other Bangkok Bank information, please visit our channels including Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official, or call 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank Director and Senior Executive Vice President Suvarn Thansathit said the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic affecting economic recovery and additional uncertainties have had widespread impact on businesses, with some expecting it will take several years before operations recover to their pre-Covid level. Bangkok Bank is ready to provide additional assistance to businesses in response to the BOT and Finance Ministry’s measures in two areas as follows:

1. Soft Loan Facility aims to increase liquidity for affected businesses while helping their operations recover. Existing customers with a credit line of no more than 500 million baht can seek additional loans of no more than 30% of the credit line as of February 28, 2021. The total cannot be more than 150 million baht when combined with the loan from the previous scheme. New customers who have no credit line with any financial institutions can obtain loans of up to 20 million baht. Credit lines from all financial institutions are taken into account.
   
   During the first five years, an average interest rate of no more than 5% per year will be charged with an annual interest rate of 2% during the first two years and an interest subsidy by the Finance Ministry for the first six months. Bangkok Bank waives relevant fees in applying for the loan to support businesses in overcoming this difficult situation.
   
   In addition, Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) will provide loan guarantees for all borrowers with a fee of 1.75% per year while the government will provide a subsidy for part of the fee.
   
   
2. Asset Warehousing aims to alleviate financial pressure of viable businesses affected by Covid-19 which require a long time to recover by enabling them to transfer their collateral as repayment to the Bank at the agreed price. Businesses may lease their assets from the Bank to continue operations at the agreed price and have the first rights to repurchase their collateral after 3-5 years.

Mr. Suvarn added that providing businesses with liquidity to continue their operations will have a positive impact on the overall economy as well as supporting employment.

Over the past year dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak in Thailand, Bangkok Bank has continuously released supportive measures to help mitigate their impact on various customer groups while standing ready to play a part in ensuring that customers and businesses have access to government assistance measures. This emphasizes the Bank’s status as a trusted partner who stays close to customers to survive and thrive in a crisis together.

Business owners interested in participating in these measures or other measures of the Bank can contact the Bank’s relationship officers, branches or business centers or look for more information from Bangkok Bank channels including Bangkok Bank website, Bangkok Bank LINE Official or call Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555.

 

Bangkok Bank has become a pioneer in providing international funds transfer via PromptPay International between Thailand and Singapore. Customers can simply use a mobile phone number registered with PromptPay/PayNow to send and receive funds in real time on a 24-hour basis. A special fee of only 75 baht/transaction is available from April 26 to July 31, 2021. Meanwhile, the Bank is committed to improving its services to reinforce its position as a leading regional bank.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President Pornnit Dunnvatanachit said Bangkok Bank has joined other pioneering banks in providing international funds transfer via PromptPay International between Thailand and Singapore to facilitate customers wanting to send or receive funds between Thailand and Singapore quickly and securely. Customers can simply use a mobile phone number registered with PromptPay (Thailand) or PayNow (Singapore) to make transactions 24 hours a day via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking. Recipients will receive the full amount of funds instantly. Bangkok Bank has also been selected as the Settlement Bank for PromptPay International service between Thailand and Singapore.

“This service is another major collaboration between the central banks of Thailand and Singapore as well as leading commercial banks in each country. It aims to provide more convenience to people in their international transactions, and requires less paperwork. Customers can simply use a mobile phone number registered with PromptPay/PayNow to make transactions. This meets the financial needs of retail customers in the digital era as they can transfer funds to their friends, purchase goods or pay for educational fees and other expenses. At the same time, Singaporeans working in Thailand or Thais working in Singapore can transfer funds to their families. Retail customers can conveniently and swiftly make transactions with much cheaper international funds transfer fees.”

Customers can make a funds transfer to Singapore via PromptPay on Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking by logging in and choosing “International Funds Transfer” then “PromptPay International”. Follow the transfer instructions and enter the recipient’s mobile number registered with PayNow. Customers can select the transfer amount in Thai baht (THB) or in Singapore dollar (SGD) with a daily transfer limit of 1,000 SGD. Once customers have reviewed and confirmed the transaction with their mobile PIN, the money will be transferred to the recipient instantly and an e-Slip will be generated as proof of transfer.

To make an international funds transfer via PromptPay to a mobile number in Singapore, the number must be registered with PayNow at selected Singaporean banks. At present, three Singaporean banks, namely DBS Bank (DBS), Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) and United Overseas Bank (UOB) have participated in the collaboration.

For international funds transfer from Singapore via PromptPay between April 26 to July 31, 2021, there will be a special rate of fee of only 75 baht/transaction (normally 150 baht/transaction).

Under the collaboration, customers who hold deposit accounts at any of the three aforementioned banks in Singapore are able to transfer funds to recipients in Thailand via a mobile number registered with Bangkok Bank PromptPay instead of specifying a bank account number. The recipients will receive the full amount of money in Thai baht in real time from Singapore on a 24-hour basis. Those who want to register with Bangkok Bank PromptPay can do so instantly via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking as well as other electronic channels.

“Bangkok Bank is committed to continuously improving its financial services to facilitate both Thai and international customers, particularly transactions via digital and electronic channels that are in line with customer behavior. For instance, it is the first Thai bank to act as a settlement bank for international transactions to provide cross border QR payment services between Thailand and Vietnam. The Bank’s move to provide international funds transfer services via PromptPay reinforces its position as the leading regional bank going forward,” said Mrs. Pornnit. 

Since the beginning of the year the Thai economy has been expanding at a slower pace as Thailand has been experiencing a new wave of Covid-19 infections and tighter restrictions on economic activities in some parts of the country. However, Thailand’s exports have continued to recover in line with global economic outlook on the back of rapid vaccination rollout and continuing policy stimulus, especially in advanced economies. Thailand continues to face challenges in the tourism sector given the uncertainty over the timing of border reopening in the second half of 2021. In the coming quarters, the Thai economic outlook will depend on how well it is able to contain the pandemic, as well as the effectiveness of the vaccination rollout. Moreover, the government’s nationwide cash handouts should partially support household spending in the coming months.

The Thai economy will take some time to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the recovery in each economic sector will occur at a different pace. The government and the Bank of Thailand have continuously introduced various measures to support businesses and people dealing with different issues, help business operators adjust to the post Covid-19 new normal, and assist Thailand’s economic recovery. The Bank understands the current challenging situation that businesses and customers are facing and continues to support its customers and provide them with appropriate assistance. Moreover, the Bank has also placed importance on prudent risk management while maintaining strong financial stability, liquidity and capital positions.

Bangkok Bank and its subsidiaries delivered first quarter net profit of Baht 6,923 million

The Bank and its subsidiaries reported a net profit of Baht 6,923 million, increased by Baht 4,525 million from the last quarter of 2020. Net interest income increased by 2.3 percent due to funding cost management. The net interest margin stood at 2.17 percent. Net fees and service income rose by 15.4 percent mainly from higher fee income from mutual funds and bancassurance, and securities business. Operating expenses decreased, resulting in a cost to income ratio of 51.1 percent. The level of expected credit losses was set at Baht 6,326 million in line with the Bank’s continuous prudent management.

Bangkok Bank continues to maintain a healthy financial position, as well as high liquidity and capital positions, under its prudent management approach to supporting Thailand’s economic recovery during uncertain times

At the end of March 2021, the Bank’s total loans amounted to Baht 2,369,276 million, same level as at the end of 2020. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was 3.7 percent, slightly declined from the end of December 2020. The Bank continues to closely control of credit underwriting and risk management. The ratio of loan loss reserves to non-performing loans was 187.3 percent.

In terms of liquidity, as of March 31, 2021, the Bank’s deposits amounted to Baht 2,904,276 million, an increase of 3.3 percent from the end of December 2020, from all types of deposits. The loan to deposit ratio was 81.6 percent, reflecting adequate liquidity to cushion against economic uncertainties.

In terms of capital, as of March 31, 2021, the Bank’s total capital adequacy ratio, Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio and Common Equity Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio of the Bank and its subsidiaries were 18.4 percent, 15.9 percent and 15.1 percent respectively, comfortably above the Bank of Thailand’s minimum capital requirements.

Bangkok Bank has increased its safety measures in response to Covid-19 by organizing a big cleaning during the Songkran holidays in areas with a large number of employees in its Head Office, Rama 3 Building, Tritip Building, Saengthong Thani Tower and Building 3. The cleaning took place after the annual general meeting of shareholders on April 12, 2021. The Bank has also launched additional measures to reduce risks from the new wave of Covid-19 such as changes in branch closing times, scaling back service channels, reducing the number of customers in a branch, and adjusting the proportion of staff working from home to focus on the safety of customers and employees. The Bank is also encouraging customers to opt for online services which are convenient, safe and available on a 24-hour basis.

Bangkok Bank Director and Executive Vice President Thaweelap Rittapirom said that the current Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in large numbers of infected persons. The Bank prioritizes the safety of its customers and therefore has introduced preventive measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission, in line with the guidelines and standards issued by the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health.

The Bank organized a big cleaning day that saw disinfectant spraying in the areas with many working staff in five buildings, including the Head Office (floor 1-30), Trithip Building (floor 1, 3 and 6), Building 3 on Silom Road, Saengthong Thani Tower (floor B, 1-2 and 23-32) on Sathorn Road, and Rama 3 Building (all areas) on Rama 3 Road. The cleaning took place during the Songkran holidays from April 13-15, 2021, with a particular focus on the Head Office where the annual general meeting of shareholders was held on April 12, 2021, and will allow employees to return to work and customers to use the Bank’s services knowing that they will be safe from the spread of Covid-19.

“Branches or offices that have staff or customers infected with Covid-19 were temporarily closed for cleaning and disinfectant spraying according to measures of the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health as soon as they received confirmation. Staff who had close contact with infected persons were tested and self-quarantined at home immediately for the period specified by the Ministry of Public Health. In addition, the Bank has arranged to have employees who are not in contact with infected persons to perform their duties at present.”

Mr. Thaweelap added that the Bank has implemented additional measures to reduce risks from Covid-19 such as a change in the service hours of bank branches nationwide. Branches that have a closing time of 16.00 hrs. and 16.30 hrs. will be closed at 15.30 hrs. while those that have a closing time after 17.00 hrs. will be closed at 17.00 hrs., effective today (April 16, 2021) until further notice. At the same time, the Bank as put limits on service channels and the number of customers allowed inside a branch at one time, ensuring that they are able to follow proper social distancing in accordance with the announcement of the Thai Bankers' Association. These measures will be implemented together with other protocols such as partition arrangement, body temperature measurement, hand sanitizer and QR code scanning to record service usage. The Bank understands that these measures may cause some delay in service, and therefore recommends that customers opt for online services such as Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking, Bualuang iBanking, ATM and CDM, which are available on a 24-hour basis. In addition, customers can also use the service through other channels such as Bualuang Phone 1333 or 0 2645 5555, Banking Agents at Tesco Lotus and 7-Eleven and QR Code Payment services.

“The Bank has raised the proportion of staff working from home and strictly followed Split Site / Split Team guidelines in parallel with other preventive measures. The Bank has also encouraged the use of online channels for operations and meetings. With this new wave, the Bank needs to increase the intensity of its safety measures, so we have asked all our staff to raise their guard against Covid-19 and remain consistent and disciplined. At the same time, the Bank is working hard to properly manage the situation so that we can continue to serve our customers, while minimizing the impact on service and ensuring that we are a “trusted partner” for customers at all times, especially in this difficult situation. Many of the Bank’s measures may cause inconvenience to some customers so we would like to take this opportunity to apologize to them,” said Mr. Thaweelap.

The Bank prioritizes the safety of our customers, staff, families and the public by strictly complying with the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

For those who want to check the list of bank branches that are temporarily closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, please visit Bangkok Bank website to read related announcements and check other information about Bangkok Bank’s public relations at various channels such as Bangkok Bank LINE Official. For more information, please contact Bualuang Phone at 1333 or 0 2645 5555.