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More than 600 small and medium-sized enterprises participated in the fair. Of the total, 164 SMEs applied for estimated loans of Bt828 million from the bank.

The aim is to give struggling SMEs more access to cash flow to develop their businesses.

A variety of loan packages were on offer, including low interest of 3 per cent for one- or two-year terms.

SME Bank plans to arrange another activity in Khon Kaen next month.

Thai Life premiums grow 14%

Thai Life Insurance announced yesterday that its overall premiums had grown 14 per cent to Bt10.61 billion during the first four months of the year.

President Chai Chaiyawan new business had surged by 35 per cent year on year to Bt3.17 billion, while renewal premiums increased 7 per cent to Bt7.43 billion.

Chai said the company was continuing with its aggressive marketing during the current quarter.

"Life-insurance business has had less of an impact from the global economic crisis. On the contrary, it has created a business opportunity during the interest-rate downtrend," Chai said.

He added that the company's target groups were in three categories: people who still have high savings and are looking for a high return on their investment; people who rely on salaries and who are interested in investing for their future; and those who have been affected by the global economic crisis, and whose salary has been cut. This last group is looking to social welfare for their security. - The Nation