Thailand’s Commercial Banking Sector in Regional Asian Markets

This chapter delves deeply into the intensified competitive pressures that Thailand’s commercial banking sector faces from neighboring markets, tracing these pressures back to both economic and regulatory changes in those regions. It charts the evolution of the financial sectors within East and Southeast Asia and defines the Thai commercial banking sector’s position within this evolving regional scenario. It also recognizes Thailand’s substantial progress in broadening financial access among its populace relative to other countries in the region, a direct outcome of comprehensive financial reforms initiated in response to the Asian financial crisis. However, it notes that major Thai banks are identified as facing ongoing challenges in scaling their operations and extending their international footprint.