This is because the 20-year national master plan for 2018 through 2037 focuses on pushing forward and increasing the potential for SMEs, as they will help solve poverty problems and promote national economy. One of the subordinate plans is to provide opportunities for SMEs to access financial services, including new types of funding sources, and to develop channels for accessing new types of funding sources.

SEC found that one of the problems and difficulties that prevent SMEs from accessing funds in the capital market is the laws and rules concerning fund mobilization, which cause unnecessary procedures and expenses. Furthermore, capital market tools currently available do not respond to SMEs’ needs. Therefore, SEC is now developing new rules to add more fund mobilization options for SMEs that will allow them to mobilize funds in accordance with their type and size. For example, issuers will not be required to submit documents for SEC’s approval before offerings of shares and convertible bonds. This will remove procedures and cut unnecessary costs. Offerings to institutional investors, venture capital firms, private equity firms, as well as their directors and employees, will be able to be done without amount and value restrictions.

SEC has published a hearing document on the above matter on SEC’s website, available at: www.sec.or.th/hearing. Any involved or interested persons are invited to express their opinions on the website, or via email, to jaruwan@sec.or.th or thanidal@sec.or.th, from now until 25 December 2019. 

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