Bangkok, August 18, 2014 ? Vorapol Socatiyanurak, SEC Secretary-General said that the SEC recently presented the benefit of infrastructure funds for infrastructure development in Thailand to Air Chief Marshal Prajin Jantong the Commander-in-Chief    of the Royal Thai Air Force, the deputy chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).  The infrastructure fund regulations have been in force to accommodate both public and private sectors to set up infrastructure funds. Currently, three sizable infrastructure funds investing in rail transportation, electricity, and telecommunication have been set up and offered investment units to the public.

?State enterprises can mobilize fund by setting up infrastructure funds in a pattern  suitable for their own organizations; for instance, selling future revenue rights during a certain period to the fund while retaining title, management and control over the assets. In doing so, feasibility studies and regulatory restrictions of the infrastructure projects must be prepared and explored with a view to assessing the project?s commercial viability to create proper returns for investors. In this connection, interested authorities are welcomed to discuss and consult with the SEC. Currently, some state enterprises have already met with the SEC to discuss the possibility of setting up infrastructure funds for the country?s infrastructure development.

Using infrastructure funds to expedite development of the country will help reduce the government?s budgetary burdens and borrowing needs that could then be geared to other vital investments such as education and public healthcare. Meanwhile, investors will have an opportunity to take part in the country development and more long-term investment choices. The SEC thus backs fund mobilization through capital market for infrastructure development, not only to bring about better living quality of Thai people but also to attain the utmost benefits from the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC),? Vorapol added.