The counterparty credit rating on Krung Thai Bank Public Co. Ltd. (KTB) reflects the bank's strong franchise as Thailand's second-largest commercial bank and the implicit support from its ultimate majority owner, the government of Thailand (foreign currency BBB+/Negative/A-2; local currency A-/Negative/A-1). The rating on KTB is also underpinned by its adequate business and financial profiles. Standard&Poor's believes that the Thai government is committed to retaining its majority stake in KTB. Therefore, the government has a moral responsibility to support KTB in case of distress. More importantly, in our opinion, KTB is likely to be one of the first banks that would receive government support in the event of a crisis in the banking industry. KTB acts as the
