The Thai stock market has regained momentum among investors as the index rose significantly in the first half of 2026, delivering returns ranked among the top three globally. This performance was driven by capital flows returning to emerging markets, confidence in government stability, and the attractive dividends and sustainability of Thai listed companies.
Meanwhile, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is advancing the implementation of "BOI to IPO" criteria to facilitate easier fundraising for New Economy companies, both domestic and foreign, aiming to enhance the long-term appeal of the Thai capital market.
Additionally, results from international roadshows reflect growing foreign investor interest in Thailand. SET is preparing to host "Thailand Focus 2026," a key event to attract investment into the Thai stock market this August.
. Assadech Kongsiri, Director and CEO of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). He revealed that overall investment performance in the Thai stock market during the first half showed outstanding returns, with the index rising approximately 20-25% from the closing level of 1,259.67 points at the end of 2025 (as of 30 December 2025). This result placed Thai stocks among the top 2-3 in the region, trailing only South Korea and roughly on par with Taiwan.
Today, the index stood at 1,567.45 points, gaining 25.11 points (+1.63%) from the previous day, with trading value exceeding 39 billion baht. The main supporting factor is the increasing trend of capital shifting from developed to emerging markets.
At the same time, investors have expectations for economic stimulus policies from a stable government, alongside the appeal of dividends and sustainability practices of Thai listed companies, maintaining the attractiveness of the Thai stock market.
Furthermore, the SET is collaborating with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Board of Investment (BOI) to attract New Economy companies to raise funds in the Thai stock market.
The criteria will be revised to be simpler and more aligned with current conditions, such as lowering market capitalization or profitability requirements and reducing the IPO preparation time. These regulations are expected to be finalized within Q3, approximately in the next 2-3 months.
A key objective is to attract foreign companies or new industries, such as electric vehicles (EV), printed circuit boards (PCB), and data centers, which are promoted by BOI, to list in Thailand, thereby increasing the diversity and appeal of listed securities.
However, it is expected that it will take at least another two years before the first such companies list on the Thai stock exchange, due to the preparation time required, especially for foreign firms establishing new entities in Thailand.
Assadech disclosed that during recent roadshows in London and Hong Kong, foreign investors showed renewed openness and interest in Thai businesses.
The main concern among foreign investors was the growth trajectory of Thailand's economy and whether it could return to 7% growth. The SET provided realistic information that achieving 7% growth under the current infrastructure may be difficult.
However, based on fundamentals and potential, growth of around 4% remains feasible, which foreign investors responded to positively given the straightforward explanation.
The SET plans to host "Thailand Focus 2026" from 26-28 August 2026 to communicate the potential of Thai listed companies. It is expected that, with easing geopolitical tensions and falling oil prices, foreign investors will increasingly focus on the growth of listed companies and the Thai economy.
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