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Published on October 30, 2007

However, it will study consumer behaviour and lifestyles before launching these products, president Phinyavat Chantrakantanond said on the occasion of the company's second birthday.

KTB Leasing already lends for the purchase of diamonds, and earlier this year added more consumer-lending alternatives. Its foundation products are automobile leases, hire purchase and car rentals.

Phinyavat said it wanted to boost outstanding loans to Bt10 billion by the end of the year. It expects to double that next year. At present, outstanding loans are Bt7 billion.

If it reaches the target, it will become the third-largest consumer lender. It is fifth now.

Net profit this year will be Bt20 million. The company achieved a breakeven figure in March.

Staff numbers have risen from 30 two years ago to 200, and customers to 50,000, most of whom bank with Krung Thai Bank.

It offers borrowers as many as 500 different lending options from more than 30 business partners.

Lending can be arranged at 800 Krung Thai Bank branches. The biggest state-owned bank will open between 40 and 50 new locations this year.

Meanwhile, the new Thai Credit Retail Bank has introduced a gold-pledge service where the metal can be used to guarantee personal loans.

Somruedi Banchongduang, The Nation