Bangkok: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC) has announced an expansion of the criteria for the Thailand ESG Fund (Thai ESG) to include investments in JUMP+ stocks that have a Corporate Governance Rating (CGR) of 90 or higher. This move is aimed at supporting the corporate governance enhancement of listed companies while achieving their growth objectives.

According to Thai News Agency, the SEC is preparing to launch Thai ESG mutual funds specifically targeting listed companies that are part of the Stock Exchange of Thailand's JUMP+ program. These companies must have a CGR score of 90 or above to qualify for investment. The new regulations are set to be enforced starting March 2026.

The SEC's decision, made in a December 2025 meeting, is focused on amending existing regulations to incorporate JUMP+ program participants as viable investment options within Thai ESG mutual funds. This initiative is designed to bolster corporate governance standards among listed companies and ensure they consistently report progress to investors.

As of late January 2026, there are 77 Thai ESG mutual funds managed by 19 asset management companies, boasting a net asset value of approximately 103,146 million baht. This represents a significant growth rate of 249 percent since the end of 2024.

Currently, Thai ESG mutual funds have the flexibility to invest in various securities, including stocks excelling in environmental or sustainability aspects, debt instruments, and digital tokens aimed at sustainability. They also invest in infrastructure funds and real estate investment trusts that demonstrate strong ESG performance.

The JUMP+ project by the Stock Exchange of Thailand is designed to motivate listed companies to pursue their growth plans and enhance corporate governance. It also encourages continuous information disclosure to investors, thereby enhancing the appeal of these companies to investors in the long term. The deadline for companies to submit their JUMP+ plans is March 31, 2026.