New FETCO Chairman: To Elevate Thailand's Capital Market to Global Pinnacle in 15 Years

Paiboon Nalinthrangkura, the new chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (FETCO), has presented an ambitious vision that supports the government's goals to enhance the country's economic potential. To highlight Thailand's capital market globally and attract massive foreign investment, the chairman announced a comprehensive plan based on five strategic pillars. This new era for FETCO aims not only to serve as a funding source for companies and the state but also to function as a mechanism for creating sustainable wealth for the Thai people. Paiboon believes this comprehensive transformation is the key to elevating the country's international competitiveness. Among the long-term goals is elevating the Thai capital market to 'developed market' status within 15 years.

The government's determination to revitalize the economy and stimulate investments forms the foundation of FETCO's new strategies. The investment ratio in Thailand's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is planned to increase to 30 percent, approaching the levels of Vietnam. To achieve this massive investment target, substantial capital must be injected into the country's infrastructure and economic capacity, which have been lacking in certain areas for years. Additionally, the government is demonstrating strong political will to make Thailand a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and to elevate the country to the high-income category within 12 years. Throughout its tenure, FETCO will follow a strategy of fully aligning all its operations with these overarching national goals.

In the short term, between 2026 and 2028, the competitive strength of the Thai capital market is expected to significantly increase. In this regard, the aim is to provide long-term liquidity to the market and strengthen the institutional investor base. Harmonizing legislation with international standards and offering next-generation investment products suited to modern economic dynamics are also crucial parts of this process. Furthermore, establishing a market ecosystem based on the principles of transparency, corporate governance, and sustainability is deemed essential to refresh the confidence of both domestic and foreign investors. All these steps are planned to help the state and private sector meet their funding needs more effectively.

Medium and long-term goals also aim to transform Thailand's regional and global financial position. By 2032, the goal is for the Thai capital market to become the undisputed leader in the ASEAN region in terms of funding, liquidity, and financial innovation. Through this, the intention is to create a hub where high-quality companies in the region will preferentially choose to be listed on the stock exchange. By 2040, which is the ultimate long-term vision, Thailand is expected to settle into the position of a fully-fledged 'Developed Market'. This vision represents a broad framework encompassing deep and diverse investment products, robust liquidity, global-standard accessibility, and unshakeable investor confidence.

The five key strategies determined for FETCO to achieve these ambitious targets have been structured in a highly detailed manner. On the Demand Side, the investment culture will be popularized through projects like TISA, and by establishing national pension funds, foreign capital and the assets of Thais living abroad will be attracted back home. On the Supply Side, the liquidity of infrastructure funds will be increased, and access to financing for technology companies and SMEs will be facilitated through regulatory changes. In the ecosystem and infrastructure pillar, integration with the digital asset market will be deepened; in the trust pillar, investor protection will be maximized through strict supervision and the establishment of capital market courts. Finally, in the Investor Relations pillar, global communication continuity will be ensured through regular overseas promotional activities (Roadshows) and the publication of monthly investor confidence indices.