Today, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Srettha Thavisin, has presided over the opening of the SEC Strategic Plan seminar and delivered a keynote address on the topic, “Policies and Directions for the Development of the Thai Capital Market.” On this occasion, SEC Chairman, Dr. Pichit Akrathit, presented the objectives of the event, followed by the opening speech of SEC Secretary-General, Mrs. Pornanong Budsaratragoon, on the topic, “Directions for Regulating and Developing the Thai Capital Market to Build Trust and Confidence and Promote National Sustainability.”

Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, stated: “Our government places great importance on the roles of capital market. Development directions have been outlined to fully leverage the potential and efficiency of the capital market. This will contribute to the robust and sustainable growth of the economy. We envision opportunities for developing the Thai capital market to support the transition towards digital and sustainable economy.”

Key developmental areas include:
          - Sustainable Economy: The government endorses the establishment of Thailand ESG Fund, which will benefit both fundraisers and investors, while promoting the country's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) development. Additionally, the government will drive initiatives such as (1) green bond market development policy, (2) fundraising to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainable financing policies aligning with international standards, and (3) green finance mechanisms and the establishment of a classification system of economic activities deemed as environmentally sustainable (Thailand Taxonomy), which aims to foster growth and investment in environmental and social themed projects.
          - Digital Economy: The government has approved in principle the initiation to mitigate obstacles and promote the digital asset ecosystem such as taxation inequality. This will lead to three main objectives: (1) creating level playing field of the digital asset market; (2) reducing burdens for all parties involved such as digital asset business operators, issuers, and investors; and (3) supporting the use of technologies in fundraising through investment tokens to promote concrete development of innovations.   

Mr. Pichit Akrathit, SEC Chairman, said: “The centerpiece of this SEC Strategic Plan is building trust and confidence in the Thai capital market. This involves enhancing the roles and responsibilities of market participants in conjunction with enhancing the capabilities of the SEC in regulating and enforcing laws to protect investors. Simultaneously, it encompasses the development of various market aspects, particularly market accessibility for wider ranges of Thai population. The goal is to ensure that the Thai people will be able to benefit comprehensively and equitably from the capital market, promoting sustainable financial well-being. In implementing this strategic plan, a crucial and indispensable aspect is the collaboration from all sectors in propelling the Thai capital market as a driver of economic development, addressing the national needs efficiently and effectively. Thus, communication with all stakeholders as today is essential. The announcement of this SEC Strategic Plan marks the beginning of sustainable collaboration among stakeholders and market participants from all sectors, leading to a well-functioning capital market ecosystem in current conditions and into the future. Our collaboration will enhance market efficiency and contribute to the development of a resilient, robust, and sustainable economy.”

Mrs. Pornanong Budsaratragoon, SEC Secretary-General, said: “In the current context and within the next 3-5 years, the SEC aims to enhance the level of trust and confidence in the Thai capital market. This goes beyond the SEC having effective supervision, concrete law enforcement, swift detection of abnormalities, and prompt imposition of appropriate penalties on wrongdoers. There must be a harmonized collaboration among market participants to enhance the quality and efficiency of duties performed by those involved in the capital market's value chain. The SEC believes that elevating these standards will strengthen confidence in the market, providing a foundation to help alleviate impacts and turn crises into opportunities. Additionally, the SEC is pushing for the ongoing development of the Thai capital market through focus shifts in alignment with the country's transition towards digital economy, green economy, and fair economy that reduces socio-economic disparities and promote sustainable financial well-being. We are confident that the goal of balancing between market regulation and development will significantly contribute to the country's long-term sustainability.”

The SEC Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2026 aims to achieve four key results as follows:
          (1) Thai capital market attains trust and confidence
          (2) Thai capital market is a key driver towards digital economy 
          (3) Thai capital market is a key mechanism for sustainable development
          (4) Investors are empowered to achieve financial well-being  
To accomplish these goals, the SEC has outlined organizational plan as a key enabler to drive and support the effectiveness of the intended outcomes and achieve the key results.

Today’s seminar also featured a panel discussion on the topic, “Building Collaboration for the Development of the Capital Market towards Sustainable Growth of Thailand” by Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (FETCO), Dr. Pakorn Peetathawatchai, President of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), and Mrs. Pornanong Budsaratragoon, SEC Secretary-General. The panelists shared their visions, perspectives, and experience, reflecting mutual ongoing collaboration among key players in developing the Thai capital market as a driving force towards the country's sustainable growth.  

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