SCB WEALTH is advancing its "Go Global" strategy through the SCB USD Ecosystem on SCB EASY, connecting clients to global investments and expanding investment opportunities in both Thai Baht and US Dollars through diverse international mutual funds across various asset classes. This caters to modern investors seeking flexibility and currency diversification.

Mr. Sorachai Sunetta, CFA, Deputy Head of High Net Worth and Affluent Banking at Siam Commercial Bank, revealed that SCB WEALTH focuses on a "Go Global" strategy that seamlessly connects clients to global investments by expanding investment opportunities in both Thai Baht (THB) and US Dollars (USD) with greater flexibility. Building on years of support, SCB WEALTH encourages clients to "Go Global" and invest globally through Thai-registered mutual funds investing in international assets. This approach opens doors to a wider range of investment opportunities, including leading equity funds, global themes and megatrends, and high-quality fixed income instruments. This comes with convenience in the investment process, care, and tax management for WEALTH clients.

In 2026, clients can easily go global to the next level through the SCB USD Ecosystem. The bank is ready to provide foreign currency investment services to help increase the efficiency of exchange rate risk diversification, expand the scope of investments to global assets, and increase flexibility in managing investment portfolios to align with clients' long-term goals.

From the financial markets perspective, SCB assesses that in the short term, the Thai baht will still be affected by the war in Iran, which is putting pressure on global crude oil prices, causing Thailand, a net importer of crude oil, to lose benefits, thus weakening the baht. However, if the war is not prolonged and oil transportation returns to near-normal operations, it is expected that the baht will be able to strengthen against the USD. This is based on the view that the US dollar index may decline, and reduced political uncertainty in Thailand will improve sentiment towards Thai assets, as well as likely capital flows to return to the Thai financial market. The short-term trading range for the Thai baht is estimated at 31.25–31.75 baht/USD. If the baht falls below 31.30 baht/USD, it presents an opportunity for importers to gradually accumulate USD. Investors can also take advantage of the attractive USD cost structure to exchange for USD for investment, conveniently done through the SCB EASY app.

Globally, the USD remains the world's leading currency. Data from the Federal Reserve's (Fed) website, in its 2025 edition of "The Role of the US Dollar in the Global Economic and Financial System," indicates that the USD still accounts for 58% of global international reserves and is involved in approximately 88% of global foreign exchange transactions, reflecting its strong role in the international financial system (Source: federalreserve.gov).

Given the continued strength of the USD, having a USD portfolio alongside a Thai baht portfolio is crucial. SCB WEALTH believes that investing directly in USD-denominated foreign assets strengthens a portfolio in three key areas: 1) Reducing concerns about currency volatility driven by the global economic cycle. The SCB USD Ecosystem within the SCB Easy app offers several advantages: 1) Saving, where clients have assets and investment flows in the same currency as their underlying assets; 2) Reduced friction from exchange rate hedging costs, which often increase during periods of high international interest rate differentials; and 3) Increased flexibility in long-term portfolio management, allowing for continuous accumulation of return opportunities and reinvestment in USD.

For interested investors, investing in USD can be started through Thai-registered USD-denominated mutual funds. Investing through domestic financial institutions simplifies the documentation and tax processes compared to direct foreign investment.

The SCB USD Ecosystem comprises: 1) Saving: Start by opening an e-FCD deposit account on the SCB Easy app. Clients can easily open an e-FCD account to begin holding USD and earning deposit interest (subject to bank terms and conditions). 2) Spending: Traveling abroad becomes more convenient with an e-FCD deposit account, allowing for easy exchange of USD for overseas spending. Customers can transfer/top up their SCB PLANET card for immediate use in international spending via the SCB EASY app. Furthermore, there are three main investment options: 1) Investing: Expanding wealth through investment opportunities, allowing customers to Go Global with USD-denominated mutual funds. Customers can invest USD in USD-denominated mutual funds managed by SCB Asset Management via the SCB EASY app, including USD Term Funds (Risk 3), SCB Asia Pacific Equity Absolute Return USD (Complex Fund - Risk 6), SCB Short Term Yield USD (Risk 4), and in early 2026, additional options will be added, such as SCB Income USD (Risk 5), SCB Semiconductor USD (Risk 7), and SCB Gold USD (Risk 8), etc.

“SCB WEALTH is ready to provide financial products for customers seeking international investment opportunities in foreign currencies, aiming to enhance investment diversification and increase access to opportunities in global investment markets,” Mr. Sorachai said.

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Mr. Burin Adulwattana, KResearch Managing Director and Chief Economist, said that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing a sharp surge in energy prices, particularly following the closure of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. This situation is expected to trigger a chain reaction of impacts, ranging from shortages of raw materials in the petrochemical industry to heightened pressure on global food prices in the period ahead. Additionally, the situation has significantly affected trade and air transportation in the region, resulting in fewer flight operations and higher travel costs. On the financial front, the strengthening of the US dollar against Asian currencies, especially for Thailand, which relies heavily on energy imports, will directly affect the capital market, the Thai Baht, and both the global and Thai GDP growth. At the same time, inflation is accelerating, increasing the risk of stagflation.

Ms. Nattaporn Triratanasirikul, KResearch Deputy Managing Director, said that Thailand’s economy could decline by 0.2–0.7 percent. This projection is based on the assumption that tensions involving Iran may be prolonged and that the Strait of Hormuz – an essential and vulnerable global energy transit point – could be disrupted for 1-3 months. Under this scenario, global crude oil prices are expected to remain above USD 100 per barrel during that period, with the annual average for 2026 projected at USD 75–90 per barrel. In a worst-case scenario, if global crude oil prices remain above USD 130 per barrel for more than three months, Thailand’s headline inflation could exceed the upper bound of the BOT’s 3 percent inflation target range, with 2026 GDP projected to record stagnant growth.

Dr. Rujipun Assarut, KResearch Assistant Managing Director, elaborated on the implications for Thailand’s exports, particularly in the automotive and electronics sectors, which are key contributors to total exports. The Middle East accounts for approximately 20 percent of Thailand’s total automobile export volume, with pickup trucks representing about 60 percent of that share. Shipments to the region are expected to decline by roughly 15,000 units per month. Combined with factors such as Mexico’s tariff hikes on automobiles, intensified competition from Chinese vehicles, and stricter environmental standards among trading partners, Thailand’s total automobile exports are projected to contract by around 8.1 percent in 2026. Additionally, the conflict involving Iran is expected to drive up production costs for Thailand’s electronics industry, particularly for raw materials and chemicals, which account for approximately one-quarter of total costs, while also reducing global IT spending growth by around 1 percent compared to a non-war scenario. However, worldwide investment in AI and data centers may continue to support Thai electronics exports, leading to an estimated growth of 11.5 percent in 2026, slowing from 38.3 percent in the previous year.

Ms. Kevalin Wangpichayasuk, KResearch Deputy Managing Director, stated that the conflict in the Middle East is projected to hurt Thailand’s tourism sector. The number of long-haul tourists is expected to decline by more than one million from the original annual forecast, representing a loss of approximately Baht 80 billion for tourism-related businesses. Furthermore, SMEs that rely heavily on energy, logistics, fertilizers, and plastics — such as those in transport, manufacturing, fisheries, agriculture, and restaurants — may be significantly affected by rising costs and narrowing profit margins.

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Mr. Tirachart Chiracharasporn, KLeasing Managing Director, said, “The current uncertainty surrounding oil prices is driving greater consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs), which may impact sales of both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs. In addition, interest rates may be adjusted if rising oil prices push inflation higher in the future. As a result, there is a possibility that car buyers will accelerate their purchase decisions and opt for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), leading to a positive sales outlook during the Motor Show 2026. Meanwhile, consumers interested in HEVs and PHEVs may have concerns over potentially rising fuel prices. Therefore, KLeasing is spearheading this event under the “Faster, Better, More” concept, with the K OK innovation, which enables customers to perform an initial credit limit check and receive results within five minutes. Additionally, exclusive privileges are offered to KBank’s customers through partnerships with leading global automotive brands. These include exclusive deals, along with up to 60,000 K Points, which can be redeemed for fuel vouchers worth up to 5,000 Baht, or a wide range of other lifestyle rewards via the K PLUS application.”

At the Motor Show 2026, KLeasing has elevated its services to meet the needs of digital-age customers, prioritizing both application speed and superior deals as follows: 1. K OK: “Faster” Approvals – Secure every deal in time. Enhancing confidence with a highly precise and rapid self-assessment system, K OK ensures customers do not miss out on newly launched models at the event, such as BYD ATTO 1/ATTO 2, Honda e:N2, and GWM ORA 5 SUV. The credit limit assessment results can be used to place bookings with any car brand or dealer nationwide. 2. First-time Exclusive: Strategic partnerships deliver “better” deals than ever before. Through collaborations with leading automotive brands, KLeasing offers exclusive, best-in-class deals available only to KBank customers: Mainstream and luxury brands (ICE, PHEV, HEV) Toyota: Additional 0.60 percent interest rate reduction plus up to 60,000 K Points (only participating 10 models). Mitsubishi: Purchase XFORCE HEV, Pajero Sport, or Triton Double Cab High Rider and receive up to 20,000 K Points, plus fuel cards worth up to 5,000 Baht when applying via K OK. Honda: Existing KLeasing customers enjoy interest rates starting at 0 percent, plus up to 20,000 K Points and a 1,000-Baht fuel card when applying via K OK. Isuzu: Special interest rates starting at 1.99 percent.

Porsche: Interest rates starting at 0.99 percent for Macan Electric and 1.69 percent for Cayenne, plus up to 50,000 K Points when applying via K OK. Audi: 0-percent down payment plan, plus up to 30,000 K Points when applying via K OK. Hyundai: Special interest rates starting at 0 percent for Staria Premium and Palisade. BEV brands Tesla: Earn up to 55,000 K Points when paying booking fees, confirmation fees, and down payments via KBank credit cards, plus up to 10-percent cashback when redeeming K Points equivalent to credit card spending. MG: Special interest rates starting at 0 percent on participating models. Deepal: Interest rates starting at 0 percent on participating models. Kia: Co-payment campaign for 5 months on EV5 models. Additional EV brands including BYD, Denza, Avatr, Xpeng, Zeekr, Aion, GAC, Geely, Omoda & Jaecoo, and Chery: A maximum of 50,000 K Points for loan applications via K EV Shop

3. “Get more”— receive premium gifts upon application and vehicle delivery, plus a chance to win an iPhone 17 Get the “Tote & Travel Bag Set,” worth a total of 11,888 Baht, when applying for a loan via digital self-apply and enrolling in Credit Shield. Exclusive for customers at the Motor Show 2026, from March 25 to April 5, 2026. Offer 1: Instantly receive a “Cute & Soft Puffy Bag” (worth 2,000 Baht) when applying for a loan via digital self-apply and obtaining preliminary approval, along with subscribing to KLeasing’s LINE Official Account. Offer 2: Get an extra “XXL Trunk-style Suitcase” (28-inch, worth 9,888 Baht) when enrolling in Credit Shield and the loan is fully approved and contracted by May 31, 2026. Get a chance to win one of six iPhone 17 (256GB) units, with a total value of more than 179,400 Baht, for those who add LINE @kleasingofficial for the first time. Eligible from now until April 30, 2026.

Mr. Tirachart concluded that KLeasing’s overall campaign at the Motor Show 2026 reflects its role as a loan provider that does more than just facilitate transactions. It serves as a vital mechanism in maintaining the stability of the automotive market amid the current volatility of economic factors and energy costs. Interested individuals can experience our new loan application process and receive expert advice at the KLeasing booth during the Motor Show 2026 or find more details at www.kasikornbank.com/k_motorshow2026.

Notes: For auto loan application, please carefully consider your needs and repayment ability. Effective interest rates are charged at 3.82% - 10.00% p.a. For credit cards, please use only as necessary and repay the full amount on time to avoid 16% annual interest.

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