Bangkok Bank, which has the biggest foreign operation among Thailand's big four banks with international lending comprising 16-17 percent of total loans, plans to open a branch in Phnom Penh this year. It is also the only Thai lender with a banking licence in Myanmar.
"We do not expect to see strong growth in the near future, but it's an opportunity that will boost organic growth for Thai banks," said Adisorn Muangparnchon, a Bangkok-based analyst at Phillip Securities. "Risk will be limited, given most Thai banks are following Thai companies expanding in the region."