Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce has approved a new rule allowing immediate share buybacks, eliminating the need to wait six months. This will increase the freedom of public companies and boost the capital market.

According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Commerce has announced the enforcement of a new ministerial regulation on the criteria for share repurchases by public companies, following its publication in the Royal Gazette. The Ministerial Regulation (No. 3) B.E. 2568 (2025) has revised key regulations to be in line with the modern capital market and to increase flexibility in capital management for public limited companies.

Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, revealed that the new rule has two important points: The “breaking period” that previously required companies to wait six months before starting a new share buyback program has been abolished, allowing the program to begin immediately, increasing flexibility in liquidity management. Additionally, the time period for selling repurchased shares has been extended from 3 years to a maximum of 5 years to allow the company to choose a time period for selling shares that is more appropriate to market conditions.

The Director-General of the Department of Business Development stated that these improvements will help public companies effectively manage excess liquidity, enhance capital market stability, and benefit shareholders in the long term. They also align with government policy and the Ministry of Commerce’s approach to promoting modern, transparent, and more competitive regulations.

The Ministry of Commerce expects the new regulations to enhance the potential of Thai public companies and support the strengthening and sustainable competitiveness of the Thai capital market in the future.