Dr. Sitthikorn Direksuntorn, Director and General Manager of the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG), revealed that in Q1 2026 (Jan-Mar 2026), TCG achieved loan guarantees totaling 23,448 million baht, representing 33% of its 2026 target of over 70,000 million baht. Compared to the same period last year (Year on Year), this is a 2.87-fold increase. This played a significant role in supporting a credit system that had contracted for 14 consecutive quarters, expanding it by 26,032 million baht. It helped 27,353 SMEs and micro SMEs gain loans, maintained 195,641 jobs, and generated economic benefits of 96,842 million baht. A key factor was the “TCG Quick Big Win” loan guarantee measure, part of the government’s economic stimulus plan by the Ministry of Finance, aimed at increasing liquidity for small SMEs lacking collateral or guarantors, effectively addressing SME needs.
The TCG Quick Big Win loan guarantee program, with a guarantee limit of 50,000 million baht, from its launch in mid-December 2025 to 31 March 2026, recorded guarantees of 24,864 million baht—almost 50% of the 50,000 million baht program limit. It enabled 30,684 SMEs to obtain loans. Highlights include waiving guarantee fees for the first 3 years, offering 7-year guarantee terms, and, for the first time, using TCG’s credit scoring tool, TCG Score, within a government measure to set fees based on risk levels (Risk-based Pricing, RBP). The initial fee rate is only 1% per year on the outstanding balance from the fourth year, with increased maximum claim compensation to absorb credit risk, reducing loan rejection rates and encouraging financial institutions to lend more to SMEs.
The top three business sectors with the highest guarantees in Q1 were: 1. Services at 35.1%, 2. Food and Beverage at 9.2%, and 3. Manufacturing and other trades at 9%, together accounting for 53.3% of total guarantees. This reflects the key industries driving the grassroots economy in the first quarter. Bangkok and its metropolitan area accounted for the highest share of guarantees at 48%, followed by the Northeast region at 15%, the South at 10%, the North and East each at 9%, the Central region at 5%, and the West at 4%.
Beyond facilitating loan access for small SMEs, TCG also focuses on assisting SMEs that have had claims paid through debt restructuring under the "TCG Ready to Help" program. In Q1, it successfully helped restructure debts for 25,899 borrowers with a combined debt of 16,763 million baht (since the measure began in 2020 through Q1 2026). In Q1 alone, 1,575 borrowers restructured debts totaling 630 million baht, while 384 borrowers fully settled debts amounting to 93 million baht. Additionally, support continues for "vulnerable" borrowers (with outstanding debt not exceeding 200,000 baht) under the program, offering up to 50% principal discounts, and up to 40% principal reduction for SMEs with outstanding debts over 200,000 baht. Proactive activities such as “TCG Ready to Guarantee, Ready to Help Year 2” send financial experts to regional areas to continue assisting TCG borrowers and provide financial advice to SMEs. Information and event details are available through TCG’s online channels.
Dr. Sitthikorn emphasized that throughout this year, TCG will support government policies prioritizing assistance for small SMEs, especially micro SMEs, traders, and independent workers who form the grassroots economy and are considered vulnerable groups requiring special help. The conflict in the Middle East has impacted operational costs, trade, and business liquidity.
Among these is the loan guarantee measure for leasing pickup trucks, "Pick-up Brother, TCG Guarantees," which has extended its application period until the end of 2026. This helps small SMEs, independent workers, farmers, and small transport businesses more easily acquire pickup trucks as work tools, covering both combustion engine and electric pickup trucks (EV), addressing the current energy crisis with rising fuel prices. Plans are underway to expand guarantees to include electric motorcycles to assist independent workers relying on motorcycles for their livelihood.
Currently, TCG is developing the “SMEs First” platform, allowing small SMEs to assess their readiness for loan applications with TCG first. This initiative aims to enhance credit capacity and creditworthiness. TCG will act as an intermediary, a gateway connecting all SME groups lacking liquidity, collateral, or guarantors to appropriate financial service providers including banks and non-bank lenders. This represents a transformation in how TCG provides loan access and services, introducing a new customer journey.
"TCG's main challenge this year is to create financial opportunities for SMEs, serving as a key tool to support the grassroots economy by unlocking SME loan access and enabling strong, sustainable growth. This is under the concept of reducing inequality in SME loan access (Financial Inclusion), increasing business opportunities for SMEs, and upgrading the organization to support financial innovation and integration into the Virtual Bank Ecosystem," Dr. Sitthikorn said.
SMEs facing business difficulties can seek free financial advice at TCG’s SME Financial Advisory Centers nationwide. Additionally, TCG has made it easier for SMEs to check their financial health and book free financial consultation appointments via LINE OA: @tcgfirst or by contacting the TCG Call Center at 02-890-9999.
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