Parithad Petampai, the newly appointed chief executive officer of Muangthai Capital, said micro-finance is vital for low-income people in Thailand.
The statement underscores the tension between the high costs of micro-loans and the lack of alternative credit options for the poor. As the head of one of the region's significant lenders, Petampai's defense highlights the systemic reliance of vulnerable populations on non-traditional banking sectors to survive financial crises.
Petampai said the sector provides essential credit to households that are often excluded from traditional banking systems. He said the availability of these funds prevents deeper financial instability for those at the bottom of the economic ladder.
"Without our money, people will struggle," Petampai said [1].
Muangthai Capital maintains a significant presence in the Southeast Asian market. The company ranked No. 295 on Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 list [1]. This ranking reflects the firm's scale and influence within the regional financial landscape.
Financial reports show the company's growth continues to be substantial. Muangthai Capital reported revenue of 30.74 billion Thai baht, which is approximately $936 million, for 2025 [1]. The company's ability to generate such high revenue while serving low-income clients often sparks debate regarding the sustainability, and ethics, of micro-finance interest rates.
Petampai's appointment comes at a time when the role of micro-finance is under scrutiny. By framing the service as a necessity rather than a luxury, the CEO positions Muangthai Capital as a critical infrastructure provider for the Thai economy—one that fills a gap left by larger commercial banks.
“"Without our money, people will struggle."”
The defense of micro-finance by Muangthai Capital reflects a broader economic reality in Thailand where a significant portion of the population lacks the collateral required for traditional bank loans. By emphasizing the 'struggle' of the poor without these loans, the company justifies its business model and high-volume lending practices against potential regulatory pressures or public criticism regarding debt cycles.
