Bangkok: Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has reaffirmed the attractiveness of Thai stocks but emphasized the urgent need to address structural issues to regain investor confidence. During a special lecture at the Dailynews Talk 2025 seminar, he underscored the importance of resolving these challenges to ensure the vitality of Thailand’s economic landscape.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichai highlighted that the Thai stock market remains appealing despite global economic volatility, particularly due to the U.S. tariff policy. He stressed the necessity for government policies aimed at restoring foreign investor confidence. Immediate priorities include negotiations with the U.S. and reallocating a central budget of 157 billion baht to stimulate the economy, focusing on essential projects like water management for consumption, agriculture, and industry.
He further elaborated on initiatives to bolster confidence in the capital market, noting that despite market fluctuations, many stocks retain strong fundamentals. Amendments to criteria for purchasing stocks or Treasury Stock are underway, anticipated to elevate stock prices. Another critical aspect is enhancing penalties for financial wrongdoings, with discussions ongoing about empowering the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to conduct investigations independently or collaboratively.
Mr. Pichai also discussed revising key regulations, including the Securities and Exchange Act and the Digital Asset Business Act. These changes aim to support global trends and the digital economy, ensuring robust legal frameworks and investor confidence. Institutional investors have been consulted on investment fund criteria, with a shift noted towards higher foreign investments due to better returns, although recent months have seen a downturn, prompting a potential recalibration towards Thai stocks.
Regarding the Bank of Thailand’s (BOT) stance on G-Token issuance, Mr. Pichai clarified that while it forms part of public debt, it should not directly relate to purchasing goods and services but rather function through credit card exchanges. Ongoing discussions with BOT aim to refine this initiative.
Lastly, Mr. Pichai addressed the baht’s strengthening over the past seven months, attributing it partly to capital inflows. However, he cautioned about its sustainability, contingent on trade negotiations with the U.S. and the broader economic outlook.