Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced plans to push for an emergency decree to grant the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expanded authority to address violations in Thailand's capital markets.

Speaking at an event hosted by the SEC, Mr. Pichai highlighted the need to expedite legal processes for handling offenders to build trust among investors in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

He proposed three main areas of reform: allowing the SEC to submit case reports directly to prosecutors, increasing oversight of capital market professionals, and tightening penalties for illegal short selling activities.

Mr. Pichai emphasized that delays in enforcement had resulted in significant investor losses, particularly in high-impact cases.

The proposed decree, once approved, would streamline legal proceedings and provide stronger investor protection.

The Finance Ministry also aims to encourage foreign companies to list on the SET and attract Thai companies back to the domestic market.

Additionally, Mr. Pichai addressed the government's efforts to improve Thailand's digital asset regulations and its ambition to become a regional financial hub.

He discussed supporting asset-backed tokens and digital securitisation through a regulatory sandbox, while also highlighting plans to develop Thailand’s logistics infrastructure, including the expansion of the high-speed rail project to connect with China’s railway network in Laos.

These initiatives are aimed at positioning Thailand as a major financial and trading center in the region.