The Bank of Thailand reports that "zombie" SMEs (firms unable to cover interest on loans) have surged from 2.7% in 2013 to 5.7–6% by 2024, intensifying Thailand's K-shaped economic divide. While SMEs employ 13.6 million people (69% of the workforce) and generate 35% of GDP, their contribution to GDP growth has collapsed from 1.9% (2012–2019) to just 1% (2023–2025). The BOT acknowledges it cannot rescue all struggling SMEs and will prioritize support for profitable, adaptable firms with genuine growth potential, letting unviable zombie firms exit the market naturally.