Thailand seen tightening BNPL oversight with age and credit caps

The central bank will use data analytics and AI to monitor the sector’s practices.

The Bank of Thailand’s (BOT) plans to expand its oversight of the non-bank finance sector will tighten monitoring of buy now pay later (BNPL) products, according to CGS International (CGSI).

The central bank plans to leverage data analytics and AI to monitor the sector’s lending practices, fee structures, and regulatory compliance.

BOT is likely targeting emerging risks in the rapidly growing BNPL market and the misuse of payment services by illegal activities, such as online gambling, according to CGSI in a report published on 9 September 2026.

CGSI said that the BOT will likely set a minimum age requirement in BNPL activities, as well as require customers to reveal the purpose of their BNPL application.

The BOT will also likely require a credit line and interest rate cap, it added.

“In our view, it is unlikely that BOT will lower its maximum interest rate charge because this could result in unwillingness to lend to customers,” said Weerapat Wonk-Urai, analyst for CGSI.

The central bank is reportedly concerned over complex pricing structures, where some lenders charge high interest rates and additional fees, Wonk-Urai said.

The BOT oversees 3,624 operators in the non-bank finance sector, which cover lending, payments, money transfer, and foreign exchange services, said CGSI, based on data from the local newspaper Prachachartthurakij.

Non-bank institutions account for around 55% of outstanding retail credit and 75% of all credit accounts, according to BOT Governor Vitai Ratanakorn.