1.  The SEC Board has approved in principle the issuance of the Notification of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding Exemption of Fees for Filing the Applications for Offering for Sale of Green Bond, Social Bond and Sustainability Bond. Currently, an issuer of such bonds is required to pay the filing fee of 10,000 baht or 30,000 baht depending on the product type. The exemption shall apply as from the effective date of the Notification until 31 May 2020. In any case, the objective of such debt issuance must be fundraising for a project related to environmental protection or social development in Thailand. Previously, the SEC Office issued the Notification regarding Exemption of Fees for Filing the Registration Statement for the aforesaid three types of debt securities whereby the exemption shall be applicable from 17 May 2019 until 31 May 2020 as well. 

            2. The SEC Board has approved the appointment of the Capital Market Competitiveness Development Subcommittee whose major role is to study and propose guidelines for building market competitive edge and promoting all stakeholders’ capacities. The Subcommittee’s objectives include promoting the public’s understanding, education and awareness of the importance of saving and investment as well as building the public’s capability to optimize the use of capital market to pursue their financial goals more conveniently. On business side, the Subcommittee will promote easier access to the capital market as a fundraising source for both short-and long-term projects with financial costs suitable for business models and conditions, based on the Corporate Governance principles. Emphasis will also be on business operators’ professionalism and consideration of investors’ best interest and a more diverse selection of investment products in response to the demands of issuers and investors under appropriate risks.

The Capital Market Competitiveness Development Subcommittee comprises:

(1)  Mr. Tevin Vongvanich                                                                             Chairman

(2)  Mr. Subhak Siwaraksa                                                                             Member

(3)  Mr. Suwit Rojanavanich                                                                          Member

(4)  Ms. Patareeya Benjapolchai                                                                     Member

(5)  Mr. Jessada Promjart                                                                                Member

(6)  Mr. Pasu Dacharin                                                                                    Member

(7)  Mrs. Paralee Sukonthaman                                                                      Member

(8)  Mrs. Vipa Sae-Ngow                                                                               Member

(9)   Representative from the Office of the National Economic and
        Social Development Council                                                                  Member

(10) Representative from the Thailand Development Research Institute      Member

(11)  Ms. Jomkwan Kongsakul                                                                      Member and Secretary

            3. The SEC Board has approved the SEC Office’s proposal to express an intention to host the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Annual Conference in 2022, 2023 or 2024. The hosting of this international event will be conducive to the success of the 20-Year National Strategic Framework in the area of building competitiveness for trade and investment, and the International Affairs Blueprint regarding establishment of the proactive role of Thailand as a major player in the global arena and a promoter of international cooperation. The hosting opportunity in 2022, moreover, would not only coincide with Thailand’s chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) but also mark the 30th anniversary of the SEC.

            In addition, the hosting of the IOSCO Conference would generate a wide range of benefits, e.g., (1) showing Thailand’s competitive potential as a capital market leader that performs in the regional and international arenas and builds confidence of Thai and foreign investors, (2) creating proactiveness and expanding knowledge of Thai capital market personnel regarding international market developments, (3) supporting academic opportunities and developing perspectives from the hosting experience and the views of globally recognized attending experts, (4) increasing the opportunities for networking with the public and private sectors, and (5) promoting economic growth and tourism as well as publicizing Thai culture and the country’s international meeting and exhibition industry.

            IOSCO members consist of 225 capital market regulators and related organizations from 140 countries around the world. On average, each annual conference is attended by approximately 600 delegates. Applications for hosting an annual conference must be submitted three years in advance. The SEC will submit the proposal for hosting the IOSCO annual conference on 7 June 2019 according to the IOSCO schedule. If passing the initial consideration, the SEC will deliver a presentation of its hosting readiness to the IOSCO Executive Board for consideration and selection in October 2019 in Madrid, Spain.   

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