Bangkok, December 4, 2014 ? The SEC is seeking public comment on a proposal on crowdfunding supervision, aiming to introduce a new fundraising channel for small and medium sized enterprises in Thailand, especially innovative startups. The proposed supervision allows those enterprises to offer for sale of shares and debentures through regulated funding portal with lower cost. The fund raised through this channel will help facilitate their business expansion and development as well as foster their competitive edge at domestic and international levels. To this end, more jobs would be created and lead to economic expansion and development of the country.

Taking into account the balance between regulatory burdens and investor protection, the proposed supervisory framework covers supervision on funding portal operation and suitability test in order to mitigate fraud risks and ensure that  investors will be informed of risks associated with investment in SMEs, in particular startups, and liquidity risks, for instance.

The consultation paper is available on www.sec.or.th. Stakeholders and interested parties are welcome to submit comments through the website, or facsimile number at 0-2695-9723 or email address at paveena@sec.or.th or siriyod@sec.or.th until December 19, 2014.