The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio stood at 2.04 per cent of total outstanding pico-finance loans at the end of last year, the agency said. Pornchai Thiraveja, deputy director-general at FPO and finance spokesman, said that total accumulative pico-finance loans have been provided to 8,561 accounts, at Bt25,577.85 per account. Of the total accumulative pico-finance loans, 62.18 per cent – or Bt136.16 million provided to 4,348 accounts – has been collateralised, while 37.82 per cent - or Bt82.81 million approved for 4,213 accounts, has been non-collateralised. Pico-finance loans with maturity due in less than three months accounted for Bt4.93 million, or 6.69 per cent, of the total outstanding pico-finance loans. Some 159 pico-finance operators are now are offering services in 49 provinces, while 114 operators have extended pico-finance loans in 45 provinces.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 21, 2018 18:00 UTC