The Effects of Foreign Bank Entry on the Thai Banking Market: Empirical Analysis from 1990 to 2002

This paper investigates the impact of foreign bank entry on Thai domestic banks by using panel data on 17 domestic commercial banks from 1990 to 2002. The paper examines different factors affecting bank performance, including changes in the foreign ownership of banks, financial regulations, and market structure. We find that an increase in foreign bank presence leads to a rise in overhead expenses, a decline in profits, and an increase in the interest spreads of domestic banks. In the short run, increased competition from foreign banks negatively affects domestic banks. However, in the long run, domestic banks' performance should improve.Bank Performance, Foreign Entry, Crisis, Thailand

Comparative Cost Study of Foreign and Thai Domestic Banks 1990-2002: Estimating Cost Functions of the Thai Banking Industry

This paper investigates the changing cost performances of foreign and domestic banks in Thailand in relation to increased foreign bank penetration by estimating their cost functions using panel data from 27 banks during 1990-2002. Our empirical analysis suggests that production technologies of foreign bank branches are distinct from those of Thai domestic banks. After the Asian crisis, financial reforms increased operating costs of domestic banks and reduced costs of foreign bank branches. Foreign acquisition of domestic banks after the crisis modernized their business activities, reduced costs associated with fee-based businesses and improved their operational efficiency.Cost function, Foreign Entry, Crisis, Thailand