Thailand’s trading authorities have agreed to enhance their fight against illegal securities trading activities under the Securities and Exchange Act and the Anti-money Laundering Act in an effort aimed at boosting investor confidence in the Thai capital market.
The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) will look to dismantle economic criminal activities, particularly those related to securities trading, and to enhance the law enforcement capabilities of each agency as well as their joint operations.
“A more efficient and coordinated response to future securities violations”
Historically, investors viewed regulatory agencies as slow in addressing capital market crimes, partly due to the complexity and volume of transactions. This perception affected the image of the Thai capital market. All relevant agencies, including AMLO, have had to navigate legal frameworks carefully to avoid adverse impacts on the business sector.
The signing of today’s MOU assures the public of a more efficient and coordinated response to future securities violations. The agreement aims to reduce redundancy in work processes and improve the handover between operators and law enforcement, ensuring faster action within legal boundaries.
Economic crimes in this sector not only harm investors but also have wider implications for the national economy. Recent years have seen significant cases in the capital market causing substantial financial damage. The SEC has been collaborating with AMLO and SET through bilateral agreements focused on law enforcement coordination. This agreement aims to strengthen efforts against unfair securities trading, embezzlement, and financial misconduct under the Securities and Exchange Act B.E. 2535 (1992), offenses that are also covered under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, affecting investor confidence and economic development.
The MOU is intended to ensure swift action against offenders by streamlining processes, improving information sharing, and eliminating redundancies in data collection. By leveraging AMLO’s legal authority to prosecute offenders in cases with significant social and investor impact, the agreement aims to restore investor confidence and deter potential wrongdoers.
Thailand making it easier for investors
Thailand’s recent push to address illegal trading activities follows the country’s broader efforts to open up its capital markets and encourage greater participation from retail investors. Over the past few years, Thailand has implemented several initiatives to make investing more accessible and attractive to a wider audience.
One such effort is the launch of new financial products and services tailored for retail investors, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) and infrastructure funds, which offer more diverse investment opportunities. Additionally, the Thai government and regulatory bodies have worked to simplify the process of opening brokerage accounts and reduced barriers to entry for new investors.
That’s why we’ve seen a number of international discount brokers entering Thailand as of late, including Webull which has become the first U.S. retail broker to launch in the jurisdiction. Webull recently launched its 24-hour stock trading feature for its customers in Thailand as part of its wider move to bring overnight trading capabilities, powered by Blue Ocean Technologies, across the APAC region.
In June, the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) authorized One Asset Management (ONEAM) to introduce the Bitcoin ETF, which will cater exclusively to wealthy and institutional investors, following regulatory adjustments in April that allowed Bitcoin ETFs aimed at professional investors. ONEAM intends to allocate the fund across 11 major global Bitcoin funds to ensure robust liquidity and security.
