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Understanding Corporate Thailand I: Finance

Author

Listed:
  • Chanont Banternghansa
  • Archawa Paweenawat
  • Krislert Samphantharak

Abstract

This study analyzes the entire universe of registered firms in Thailand. There are five main findings. First, firm size distribution is smooth, with a majority of firms in the middle of the distribution; the apparent †missing middle†phenomenon is entirely driven by arbitrary categorization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Second, the Thai corporate sector is very concentrated; the concentration has also risen over the past decade. Third, larger firms seem to have advantages over smaller firms regarding financing. Fourth, smaller firms tend to disproportionately invest less in fixed assets than larger firms. Finally, firms in the middle of the size distribution exhibit the highest return on asset (ROA) but have low leverage, consistent with the symptom of credit constraints. Large firms, in contrast, seem to have lower ROA but higher debt. Meanwhile, smaller firms seem to have both lower leverage and ROA. Overall, our results suggest that the Thai corporate sector exhibits both inefficient capital allocation and financial vulnerability. The paper has important policy implications on resource allocation in the economy, particularly, regarding appropriate assistance provided to small and medium enterprises.

Suggested Citation

  • Chanont Banternghansa & Archawa Paweenawat & Krislert Samphantharak, 2019. "Understanding Corporate Thailand I: Finance," PIER Discussion Papers 112, Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research.
  • Handle: RePEc:pui:dpaper:112
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    File URL: https://www.pier.or.th/files/dp/pier_dp_112.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Tosapol Apaitan & Chanont Banternghansa & Archawa Paweenawat & Krislert Samphantharak, 2020. "Common Ownership, Domestic Competition, and Export: Evidence from Thailand," PIER Discussion Papers 140, Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Private Firm; Firm Size; SME; Concentration; Financial Analysis; Capital Structure; Return on Asset; Working Capital; Financial Constraint;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East

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