64 more bank branches closed
Siam Commercial Bank and TMB Bank on Monday have maintained normal operations at their headquarters in Ratchayothin and Chatuchak areas.
From today, SCB is implementing the multi-centre operations policy as part of its business continuity plan. As only 500 staff now man major tasks at the SCB Park at Ratchayothin, others now are working at back-up centres in Chidlom, Chaeng Wattana, Sukhumvit and Rama IV.
"All clients can be assured of smooth services through the branch network, ATM, online services and the business centres. We are committed to render the best services at this tough time," said SCB President Kannikar Chalitaporn, who added that SCB Park at Ratchayothin remains safe from floods.
Since Oct 20, SCB has also reopened some provincial branches, temporarily closed due to the floods.
“Our Phaholyothin Building is protected and unaffected by the flooding. However, our priorities are to ensure that customers continue to receive full banking service from TMB and that all staff members are safe during the current situation," said TMB President Boontuck Wangcharoen. At present, over 400 branches are operating as usual, while about 10 per cent of ATMs is unplugged. The bank also urged clients to use more Internet banking services.
Some of employees at the headquarter are now working at back-up offices, like the one on Silom Road. Some also work from home. Employees with flooded residences are also allowed to take days off, which are not considered "official" leave.
However, sixty four more bank branches are closed as of Monday, Nov 7, as floods hit the Chatuchak, Ram Indra and Ratchadapisek areas.
According to the Bank of Thailand, this brought a total of closed bank branches to 620. Located in 8 provinces, over half (333) is in Bangkok. A number of 149 branches are in Pathum Thani, 68 in Nonthaburi and 31 in Nakhon Pathom. Siam Commercial Bank suffers the most from the floods, as 126 of total closed branches belong to the bank, followed by Krung Thai Bank (94) and Kasikornbank (87).
The central bank also showed that 5,262 ATMs are unplugged as of Monday, up by 319 from Friday. In Bangkok alone, the number reached 1,878 or nearly 14 per cent of outstanding 13,996 ATMs.
