UPDATE 1-Thai c.bank asks lenders to bolster capital buffer to weather coronavirus risk

* Asks banks to prepare capital management plans

* Ask for no interim dividend payments, share buybacks

* Says outbreak has severe impact, no ending in sight (Adds new statement, context)

BANGKOK, June 20 (Reuters) – Thailand’s central bank has asked commercial banks to prepare capital management plans for the next 1-3 years, as the widespread impact of the coronavirus on businesses and individuals could affect lenders’ asset quality.

The plans should take into account the outlook for the economy and the ability of debtors to do business after the outbreak has eased, Bank of Thailand Governor Veerathai Santiprabhob said in a statement on Friday.

The BOT also asked lenders not to pay interim dividends for 2020 and not to buy back shares in order to maintain strong capital levels to support businesses.

Analysts say the announcement is likely to hurt bank shares and suggested the virus…