Bangkok: The Ministry of Finance is taking significant steps to amend capital market laws in an effort to modernize the capital market, enhance regulatory efficiency, and protect investors. This move involves amendments to four key laws, as revealed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas. The Cabinet approved the principles of these draft acts on August 25, 2026, and they will now be presented to Parliament for consideration.
According to Thai News Agency, the four draft acts include the Securities and Exchange Act, the Derivatives Contracts Act, the Capital Market Trust Act, and the Digital Asset Business Act. These amendments aim to align the capital market with the digital economy, improve regulatory oversight, and foster investor confidence. The changes are expected to boost national competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.
Mr. Vinit Visetsuwannapoom, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office and spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, outlined six key provisions within the draft bills. The first provision focuses on promoting digital capital markets by ensuring legal clarity for electronic transactions, reducing operational burdens, and enhancing data connectivity. This will facilitate the expansion of securities transactions and reduce costs for businesses.
The second provision addresses business regulation by strengthening oversight of major shareholders and improving financial statement disclosure. This aims to build investor confidence and allow securities companies with revoked licenses to continue operations in other areas, ensuring continued service availability.
The third provision targets secondary markets and related organizations, proposing amendments to laws governing securities trading centers. This will promote competition, reduce systemic risk, and provide investors with more choices, while aligning stock market regulation with international standards.
The fourth provision involves fundraising and the regulation of auditing firms. It mandates that financial reports be audited by SEC-approved auditors, enhancing the reliability of financial reporting and enabling effective regulation of service providers.
The fifth provision seeks to enhance law enforcement and penalties by designating SEC officers as joint investigators in certain offenses. This aims to expedite law enforcement, reduce pre-trial procedures, and introduce fines to streamline the legal process.
The sixth provision focuses on securities and stock market regulation, aiming to improve the composition of the SEC and clarify the powers of the Minister of Finance and the SEC in reducing fees to support government policies.
The comprehensive amendments aim to modernize capital market laws, promote competition, and protect investors by ensuring access to transparent investment information. This initiative is expected to mitigate risks of unfair practices, build confidence among investors, and support the development of the Thai capital market as a key economic driver.