Over the past 1-2 years, the term “Virtual Bank” or “branchless bank” has been widely discussed in Thailand’s financial sector after the Bank of Thailand (BOT) allowed new players to elevate competition and expand financial service access for Thai people.
Amid rapidly shifting consumer behavior toward the digital world, many are watching who will become the country's first player and how the new banking model will transform Thailand’s financial system.
Especially as data and technology become central to financial services, Virtual Banks are seen not merely as banks without branches but as a redesign of financial systems that understand real-time user behavior, enabling more flexible, accessible products that better meet customers’ real-life needs than traditional systems.
Recently, “CLICX” a branchless commercial bank formed through cooperation among three leading Thai organizations—KTB, AIS, and OR—has marked a milestone for Thailand’s financial industry after receiving its virtual bank license from the Bank of Thailand on 14 May 2026 GMT+7, becoming the country’s first Virtual Bank, and announced its vision. “Bank in One CLICX” with a major push to advance Thai FinTech via a digital financial platform designed around the real-life behaviors of Thai people.
Suporn Sunthornrohit, CEO of CLICX Public Company Limited, said that currently over 63% of Thai people have limited access to financial services, and more than 80% have emergency savings to cover less than six months of living expenses in case of unexpected events or sudden income loss. These figures reflect that many Thais still lack access to appropriate, flexible financial services that align with today’s realities.
CLICX aims to establish a new financial infrastructure making services more accessible, agile, and equitable, especially for groups underserved by traditional finance such as freelancers, online sellers, riders, and self-employed individuals with real income and financial discipline but lacking traditional income documentation. Using data and technology to analyze real user behavior under PDPA and international security standards, it seeks to address this gap.
Currently, the combined customer base of the three partners exceeds 50 million, including AIS telecom customers, OR’s Blue Plus users, and Krungthai Bank customers. This is a key strength for developing “Alternative Data” to assess customer financial risk and potential, replacing reliance on traditional payslips or income documents.
“This approach is central to the new Virtual Bank era as it opens financial service access to those previously denied credit by traditional systems, while enhancing safety. It also reduces non-performing loans (NPL) risk by analyzing deep behavioral data from real customer life, such as spending habits, fuel purchases, bill payments, and daily digital usage,” Suporn added.
CLICX’s business model clearly states it does not intend to disrupt the existing banking system but to be a vital piece complementing Thailand’s financial ecosystem. Leveraging the advantage of being a Virtual Bank without branch costs allows more agile management and faster product development to meet constantly evolving customer behaviors.
Suporn further said that initially, CLICX will launch a deposit service under the concept “Save-and-Earn,” with no minimum account opening amount. Interest rates will comply with BOT regulations, supplemented by partner-linked benefits allowing customers to choose their own returns beyond traditional deposit interest—for example, earning free internet, fuel discounts, or free coffee from OR and AIS partner networks. This reflects the idea that “good financial products should adapt to customers, not the other way around.” Loan services will follow in subsequent months.
Another highlight from CLICX is the “Choose Your Own Account Number” feature, the first in Thailand allowing customers to pick auspicious numbers, triples, dragon numbers, lucky numbers, or even match their phone numbers. Reservations open 2 June 2026 GMT+7 on a first-come, first-served basis with no duplicates, before app launch and official account opening on 19 June 2026 GMT+7.
The bank also confirmed that all systems will be strictly regulated by the Bank of Thailand, covering cybersecurity, risk management, and service standards, supported by a call center and headquarters. Additionally, support teams via AIS and OR networks will assist users during the initial period.
Although CLICX has not officially disclosed first-year account or deposit targets, its early-mover advantage in the Thai Virtual Bank market, combined with a large customer base and use of alternative data to create new financial opportunities, makes CLICX one of the most closely watched players in Thailand’s financial industry currently.
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