Thai KBANK sees 2008 loan growth near 15 pct

BANGKOK, July 24 (Reuters) - Kasikornbank KBAN.BK (KBANK), Thailand's fourth-largest lender, said on Thursday strong lending in the first half could push full-year loan growth toward the top end of its 10-15 percent target, despite an economic slowdown.

"Although consumption and investment might weaken in the second half, the latest strong export data prove that our economy is not that bad," bank President Prasarn Trairatvorakul told reporters, referring to the 27.4 percent export growth in June.

"Growth momentum from the first half should possibly boost our lending to the top end of the target at 15 percent," he added.

Earlier this week, the bank announced a 10.7 percent rise in lending for the first six months.

But analysts said the second half was looking weaker for the banking sector due to high inflation, rising interest rates and domestic political uncertainties that are likely to hurt consumer confidence and loan demand.

KBANK expected its net interest margin to meet a 4 percent target after it hit 4.12 percent in the first six months, although the bank offered higher interest rates on certain deposits during the quarter to attract funds, Prasarn said.

The bank has said it would expand high-yielding loans to small and medium businesses to help it achieve the net interest margin of 4 percent.

Shares in Kasikornbank KBAN.BK closed down 0.72 percent at 69 baht on Thursday, when the main Thai index .SETI fell 0.38 percent. ($1=33.43 Baht) (Reporting by Manunphattr Dhanananphorn; Writing by Arada Therdthammakun; Editing by Alan Raybould)