The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) Thailand, Thailand bank

HSBC in Thailand HSBC initially opened for business in Thailand in 1888 and has been serving Thai people for 13 decades. It was the first commercial bank in Thailand.
HSBC has made significant contributions to the establishment of solid foundations for Thailand’s financial and banking sectors. For example, in 1889 HSBC issued the first banknotes in Thailand. HSBC also issued the first foreign loan to the Thai government for its railroad construction project. HSBC has always been a major driving force behind Thailand’s commerce and economy.
Throughout the past 130 years HSBC has based its standard services on an in-depth local knowledge and a true recognition of the Thai people’s changing needs. HSBC is committed to its goal to be the best bank and a key driving force for the Thai economy and Thai society.
Today, HSBC provides a comprehensive range of financial and banking services to corporate customers.

History timeline

1888 – The first step in Thailand
HSBC was established as the first commercial bank in Thailand on 2 December 1888 as Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. Its first office was located at “the old Belgian Consulate” on Charoenkrung Road.
1889 – Introduced first banknotes
The bank introduced the first banknotes into Siam in 1889 with the permission of Siamese authorities. The currency notes were issued in denomination of one, five, 10, 80, 90 and 100 ticals (baht) which were used widely to pay debts and taxes among customs officials and other government offices. When the Bank of Thailand issued its own banknotes in 1902, the amount of the Bank’s banknotes in circulation decreased gradually.
1890 – Moving to “Tanam Si Phraya”
In 1890, the bank moved to a Roman-style building, known today as Tanam Si Phraya, which was also the site of a luxury hotel called The Oriental for 87 years. The office building was declared officially open by HRH Prince of Chandaburi, then the Minister of Finance.
1905 - Siam's first foreign loans
The first public overseas loan to the Siamese government was issued in 1905 for the announced purpose of railway construction. The government, under the advice of a British financial expert, wished to retain a minimum treasury balance of 22 million baht. Railways were of a high priority in the unification and centralization of the Kingdom, and therefore the decision was made to borrow abroad.
The Siamese Ambassador in Paris approached two banks – one British, HSBC, and one French, Banque de I'Indo-Chine, the French and British issued bonds were to rank pari passu and the loan was issued in both London and Paris in March 1905. The actual signing of the agreement was celebrated with a dinner at the Savoy for 20 people including the Siamese Ambassador to Paris, Phraya Suriyanuwatr.
1977 – Moving to Siam Center
In 1977, the Bank moved from Tanam Si Phraya to Siam Center Department Store.
1982 – Moving to HSBC Building on Silom
In 1982, the Bank moved to the HSBC Building on Silom road for 20 years until 2001.
2001 – Moving to HSBC Building on Rama IV
On 9 February 2001, the bank moved to its current location of the HSBC Building on Rama IV road.