The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Unveiled a three-year plan (2026-2028) amid major challenges including global economic pressures, domestic politics, and investor confidence that has yet to fully recover.
In this context, Assadech Kongsiri, SET's Director and Managing Director, acknowledged that future efforts must be "more aggressive," going beyond merely introducing new quality products or measures.
This includes "knocking on doors" at the board level of listed companies to raise awareness about corporate governance and seriously enhance corporate value, aiming to put the Thai stock market back on global investors' radar.
Dr. Sarapol Tulayasathien, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Corporate Strategy and Finance at the Stock Exchange of Thailand, revealed that 2025 was an "abnormal year" for the Thai capital market, especially regarding economic issues, but noted signs of gradual recovery.
Pressures started with the U.S. imposing import tariffs, causing global alarm. Additionally, natural disasters like earthquakes and floods directly impacted the tourism industry, resulting in tourist arrivals falling short of targets.
Moreover, significant political changes such as the dissolution of parliament and the formation of a new government led to slowdowns in economic stimulus measures and long-term infrastructure projects aimed at attracting new businesses, as the government focused on immediate problem-solving.
Despite unexpected events from natural and geopolitical factors, SET maintained stability and continued to improve systems to support long-term growth, focusing on building a transparent and accessible investment ecosystem so the Thai capital market remains an efficient funding and investment hub amid global volatility.
Assadech Kongsiri, Director and Managing Director of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, stated that SET is not complacent about current challenges including declining confidence in the Thai capital market, shrinking trading liquidity, a lack of new industry listings, competition from abroad and alternative assets, as well as increasing risks.
At the same time, the SET team must work "more aggressively" to drive the capital market, citing Japan's stock market as a case study where pressure on listed firms increased to emphasize corporate development, with more direct communication.
Assadech said the Thai capital market must undergo a major adjustment to become an attractive investment option again. The three-year plan will take proactive actions across all dimensions.
These include enhancing market appeal, increasing liquidity, boosting the value of listed companies, and importantly restoring confidence while creating new opportunities for all sectors, centered on three main strategies.
1. Proactively create opportunities, boost liquidity, and enhance confidence.
SET plans to introduce new products such as the Bond Connect Platform, Crypto ETFs, and expand Depository Receipts (DR) and new ETF formats, with clarity expected this year. These are expected to expand the investor base, especially younger generations.
They are also developing a new application to serve as a portfolio hub for all asset types to increase convenience for investors and actively promote the use of TFEX to complement stock portfolios.
Additionally, SET plans roadshows domestically and abroad to attract foreign investment, initially focusing on investors in Singapore and Hong Kong. Roadshows are expected after the government formation, involving major companies such as those in the SET50.
Moreover, SET will accelerate efforts to elevate the quality of listed companies and create added value through the Jump+ program and plans to enhance corporate governance by sending teams to educate company directors about their roles and responsibilities, adopting a proactive approach to deeply embed understanding at the policy level.
There will also be reviews of various regulations such as unlocking foreign investment limits, IPO criteria and procedures, trading supervision measures already announced, and criteria to promote New Economy businesses entering the Thai capital market, in collaboration with the Board of Investment (BOI).
2. Collaborate to expand growth.
SET plans to build the SET Climate Ecosystem with partners, expanding the use of SETCarbon among listed companies, their supply chains, banks, and bank clients. The goal is to add 100 more listed companies using the platform and establish a central national carbon data foundation.
They will also develop Market Data & Access business by applying AI to improve data for internal use and external services, and develop policies for commercial services aligned with international standards.
3. Strengthen infrastructure and drive human capital development.
Preparations are underway to develop a new Clearing system ready by 2027, upgrade services such as TSD e-Service including QR Code Sealer, focus on foundational human resource development, foster an open organizational culture, apply technology, and emphasize sustainability.
SET hopes that executing these three strategic areas will restore the Thai capital market's key role in driving the national economy, reaffirming its commitment to connect all sectors to the capital market and create inclusive, sustainable investment opportunities for everyone.
Read stock and investment news with Thairath Money at
Follow the Facebook page: Thairath Money at this link