Leading Thai financial institutions recognised for achievements in retail banking and financial technology innovation

UOB Thailand emerged as the Best Foreign Retail Bank in Thailand, while Kasikorn Leasing (KLeasing), the automobile leasing subsidiary of Kasikornbank, and TMBThanachart Bank (TTB) were recognised respectively for their Best Automobile Financing and Best Digital Ecosystem and Platform initiatives, at the Thailand Awards Ceremony 2024, held at W Hotel's iconic House on Sathorn in Bangkok, Thailand on 25 July 2024.

Kukkong Ruckphaopunt of Bangkok Bank and Boonson Jenchaimahakoon of Government Savings Bank were also recognised as Leading Practitioners in Financial Technology and Innovation as part of The Banking Academy List of Leading Practitioners programme.

UOB Thailand was awarded the Best Foreign Bank in Thailand for its strategic initiatives and retail service expansion. The bank enhanced its product range and expanded its partner ecosystem through the successful integration of its acquired Citi assets, including consumer banking and credit card businesses into UOB. The migration, which began in November 2022 and concluded in April 2024, included a major branch modernisation initiative with the integration of data analytics and customer-centric tools into operations. As a result, the bank saw a 16% increase in deposit balances and a 67% rise in successful referrals in 2023. Retail net profit for 2023 increased by 55%, and deposit balances grew by 7%, reflecting the bank’s effective customer-centric solutions and technology integration.

KLeasing was recognised for transforming its automobile financing business through strategic partnerships in the leasing of electric vehicles (EVs) with the launch of K Electrical Vehicle Shop and the Digital Self Apply platform in 2023. Despite the downturn in the overall automobile financing market, KLeasing introduced instant lease approval and partnership with the most prominent EV brands in Thailand. The bank achieved 16% growth in car financing and reduced customer attrition to 7% in 2023.

TTB was awarded the Best Digital Ecosystem and Platform Initiative for building a trusted and transparent platform for the used-car sale market that offers comprehensive vehicle pre-sale inspections and a robust dealer network. Launched in March 2023, the platform facilitated the sale of 13,000 cars worth over $125.5 million, with 31% financed through the TTB DRIVE auto loan product. It onboarded 4,153 sellers, listed 32,000 cars, and achieved 2.1 million unique users by February 2024, enhancing customer satisfaction and market reach.  

Kukkong Ruckphaopunt, senior executive vice president of the technology division at Bangkok Bank, has extensive experience in the banking and finance sector. He has contributed significantly to Bangkok Bank's strategic development and operational efficiency, and in effect, to the banking sector in Thailand as a whole.

Boonson Jenchaimahakoon, first senior executive vice president of information technology (IT) and digital banking at Government Savings Bank has held senior roles in the bank since 2010. He has a strong background in both the technical and managerial aspects of IT and digital banking. His leadership at GSB has been instrumental in the bank’s digital transformation efforts and enhancement of its IT infrastructure​

The Asian Banker Thailand Awards, comprising the Excellence in Retail Finance and Finance Technology and Innovation awards, is one of the most established benchmarking programmes of its kind in retail finance and technology, recognising exceptional innovation, leadership, management, and performance in the sector in Thailand.

The Banking Academy List of Leading Practitioners, tracks the careers of influential figures in the financial services industry globally. It includes local, regional, and global practitioners whose works impact their communities and the industry at large. It identifies practitioners who are respected by their peers for completing notable projects and achieving recent goals, who have been visible in industry news through their opinions and insights, and whose achievements contribute to emerging best practices in the industry.

For more information about the Thailand Awards Programme, please visit.