He said the bank had planned to achieve loans of Bt10 billion by next year, under the five-year project that started in 2002. However, the bank has already achieved that figure.

"Borrowers in the agricultural sector have responded to the project very well, so the bank will possibly set a higher lending target for the next scheme. However, this depends on the executive board's consideration," he said.

He said the recent floods had brought a decline in the volume of the bank's overall business. Some branches have been closed temporarily during the floods, because it would be inconvenient for customers to visit them. However, the total damage from flooding has yet to be evaluated.

"If the situation becomes prolonged, the bank's business volume will possibly decrease further. But the ratio [of lower business volume] is not much compared with the bank's total business volume," he added.

The bank is ready to help flood-affected borrowers with debt restructuring, including extending their repayment periods. Those customers would not be put on the bank's black list. Thamnoon said flood-hit customers had suffered a natural disaster, which was an uncontrollable situation.

Meanwhile, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Coope-ratives said it would soon submit a proposal to the Finance Ministry to ask the Cabinet for approval of a Bt2-billion budget to help any of its customers who are flood victims.

The bank said about 132,000 customers representing Bt13.6 billion worth of debts had been affected by flooding.

Somruedi Banchongduang

The Nation