The SME Development Bank is responding to government policy by promptly assisting entrepreneurs through a three-month suspension of fees and installment payments to support SMEs in tourism and import-export businesses in managing the Middle East situation.
On 17 March 2026, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the conflict in the Middle East has affected energy prices, causing continuous increases in production, transportation, and international logistics costs. This poses challenges especially for SMEs. The SME Development Bank has introduced urgent measures to alleviate the impact for SME customers and debtors in tourism and related import-export businesses to help them sustain their operations, as follows.
1. Relief measure for SME Development Bank customers: a three-month suspension of guarantee fees and management fees for SME customers with payments due between 15 March and 14 April 2026.
2. Relief measure for SME Development Bank debtors who have claims paid by the bank: a three-month suspension of installment payments (principal and interest) for debtors currently repaying under a debt restructuring plan and not in default. Registration for this measure is open from 15 March to 14 April 2026.
3. Liquidity support measure through the "SME Development Bank Quick Big Win" loan guarantee program aims to reduce financial burdens for impacted SMEs. Key features include free guarantee fees for the first three years and low fees starting at just 1% per year in years 4 to 7, calculated based on risk level (RBP). The program offers maximum claim compensation for non-performing loans (NPL) to encourage loan issuance to SMEs, benefiting both existing SME Development Bank clients and new entrepreneurs who have not previously used the guarantee service and need working capital loans. Applications for guarantees are open until 30 December 2026.
SME entrepreneurs, customers, and debtors in tourism and related import-export sectors affected by the Middle East conflict can inquire about details and participation at local district offices, via the LINE OA TCG First account @tcgfirst, or by contacting the SME Development Bank Call Center at 02-890-9999.