GSB switches personal loan rate
The state-owned Government Savings Bank (GSB) has changed its benchmark for retail loans to the minimum retail rate (MRR) from the minimum lending rate (MLR).
The move is aimed at closing the gap with its industry peers.
President Chatchai Payuhanaveechai said even though the GSB's MLR was half a percentage point below the MRR, the change in the benchmark rate would not increase the burden to new borrowers since the GSB.
For existing borrowers, the benchmark rate will remain the MLR, as stated in their contracts.
Mr Chatchai said the change was not aimed at charging its clients more since the GSB still imposed lower rates than commercial banks.
For example, the GSB's personal loans now carry only 11% interest per year, while some commercial banks charge 28%, the ceiling set by the Bank of Thailand.
Personal loans typically carry higher risk than secured loan such as mortgages.