FX.co ★ Thailand Rolls Out Plan to Boost Capital Market Appeal

Thailand has unveiled the "Thai Capital Market Attractiveness Initiative," a strategic effort to enhance investor confidence and establish the nation as a premier regional fundraising hub. This initiative, collaboratively announced by the finance ministry, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and various industry organizations, aims to simplify the stock-listing process, streamline initial public offerings (IPOs) and foreign listings, and attract high-caliber companies to curb capital outflows. Notably, Thailand's benchmark index has declined by over 7% this year, marking it as the weakest among major Asian markets, following the withdrawal of approximately USD 2.9 billion by foreign investors. SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon emphasized that the initiative signifies a unified effort between the government and the private sector to enhance structural competitiveness and promote sustainable long-term growth. The subsequent phase of this program will focus on expanding to bond markets, investment units, and digital finance. The initiative is underpinned by four key pillars: quality demand, attractive supply, a trusted market, and a supportive ecosystem.