The Market for Alternative Investment (mai) Serves as a key fundraising platform for numerous mid- and small-sized companies. However, recently investors have more choices, including large-cap stocks, foreign equities, and alternative assets.
Amid changing investment conditions and challenges from issues affecting some companies that impact investor confidence, many may wonder if mai stocks remain attractive.
. (fragment) Praphan Charoenprawat, manager of the Market for Alternative Investment (mai) offered the perspective that the appeal of mid- and small-cap stocks remains intact because every market cycle always presents hidden opportunities.
He also highlighted the stock exchange's efforts to restore appeal and create new opportunities for investors through the upcoming mai Forum 2026 on 4 July.
Praphan Charoenprawat, manager of the Market for Alternative Investment (mai) stated that although recent developments in Thai and global capital markets have increased investor options, capital markets operate in cycles, with even growth markets experiencing downturns.
Thus, after large-cap stocks have risen significantly, this is an opportunity for investors to study mid- and small-cap stocks that also have potential to rebound.
Quarterly earnings reviews show many mai companies remain strong. During the COVID-19 crisis, many survived due to good cash flow management; several adapted by supporting employees and improving their businesses to recover.
Industries still considered attractive include services, healthcare and wellness, and companies applying AI technology. Manufacturing faces challenges competing with China, while tourism, despite good fundamentals, is vulnerable to external factors.
For initial public offerings (IPOs) and mai listings this year, about 10 companies are expected. Although IPO numbers may be lower than before, the exchange is proactively preparing a pipeline to support new economy companies through LiVE Exchange to list on mai in the future.
To enhance the competitiveness of the Thai stock market, the exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are currently discussing easing listing requirements to facilitate more companies joining the market.
However, Praphan pointed out that a key issue for mid- and small-cap companies on mai is a lack of sufficient information and analysis for investors, a weakness acknowledged by the exchange.
To restore market appeal, the exchange focuses on building strong fundamentals and supporting entrepreneurs. It is also working to establish a 1-billion-baht fund for support, with updates expected at the mai Forum.
Recently, the Market for Alternative Investment (mai), together with the Association of Listed Companies on mai (maiA) and supported by the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF), is preparing the 10th "mai Forum 2026" investment expo under the theme "Discovering Golden Opportunities and Shifting Investment Perspectives."
The event will be held on Saturday, 4 July 2026, from 09:00 to 18:00 at Centara Grand at CentralWorld Hotel. It is free for investors and interested parties to register and attend.
This event is crucial for building an efficient capital market ecosystem and will gather over 100 listed companies. A key highlight is the opportunity for close interaction with company executives and distribution of "Company Snapshot" summaries covering mai companies, including 56 firms in the Jump+ program, to assist investment analysis.
Additionally, the event features in-depth panel discussions by expert gurus decoding value investing strategies and analyzing global economic trends.
Praphan said that in cyclical capital markets with ups and downs, mai Forum is a vital investment event that helps investors seize opportunities to buy stocks with strong fundamentals or dividend stocks at reasonable prices, ensuring attendees gain knowledge and investment prospects.
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