Key facts
- The Stock Exchange of Thailand is easing listing criteria for targeted industries including electronics, robotics, and biochemicals.
- The revised rules, effective September 11, aim to attract New Economy companies and foreign firms.
- A special track is established for companies promoted by the Board of Investment and the Eastern Economic Corridor.
- Public offering rules for foreign companies listed overseas are adjusted to allow secondary listings in Bangkok.
- Silent Period rules for share sales post-listing have been revised to align with international standards.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is set to implement revised listing criteria on September 11, 2026, aimed at attracting companies in high-growth 'New Economy' sectors and foreign firms. These changes are part of the SET's three-year strategic plan (2026-2028) to modernize its market structure, which has seen little change in its listed company composition over the past three decades.
The revisions target 10 industry groups, including advanced medical and healthcare, next-generation automotive, smart electronics, robotics, and biochemicals. A dedicated track will be established for companies promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office. Additionally, foreign companies already listed on overseas exchanges will be allowed to use secondary listing rules in Bangkok, facilitating their capital-raising needs while ensuring sufficient share liquidity.
Quality standards, financial health, and disclosure requirements will be maintained. The exchange is also revising Silent Period rules for share sales after listing to align with international norms, while still requiring strategic shareholders to hold shares for an appropriate duration. These adjustments follow consultations with stakeholders and have been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
SET President Asadej Kongsiri highlighted that New Economy industries are growing exponentially and require accessible funding, contrasting with the stagnant business structure of existing listed companies. The SET Index has performed strongly, ranking fourth globally in performance year-to-date, and has seen significant foreign investor inflows. However, the exchange has struggled to attract new listings, with only one IPO in the first half of 2026 raising $10.4 million, significantly less than Singapore's $1.05 billion from five IPOs during the same period. The changes aim to address this gap by making the Thai capital market more attractive for technology and growth-oriented companies.