Thai banks move to increase reach of branch networks.

Byline: Darana Chudasri

Aug. 23--Private banks are moving aggressively to build up their branch networks and customer contact points in anticipation of growing future competition in the retail banking segment.

Four leading Thai-owned banks -- Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Siam Commercial Bank and Bank of Ayudhya -- all are planning significant new investments in their branch and ATM networks over the next several months.

Most are concentrating their focus on high-traffic areas such as popular tourist spots, educational institutions or shopping malls, with new branches relatively small in size and positioned primarily as marketing channels to promote …