Thailand has introduced new financial reporting requirements mandating that banks notify authorities of non-resident capital transfers exceeding $200,000, a move aimed at bolstering the Bank of Thailand’s ability to monitor and respond to rapid movements in capital flows.

The measure, announced by Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn, represents the first instance in which the central bank will scrutinise the purpose and documentation of such large inflows, reflecting concerns about the baht’s swift appreciation against major currencies and the broader implications for economic stability.

The rule, which took effect at the start of this week, requires Thai financial institutions to report not only the amount but also the underlying intent and relevant supporting documents for qualifying transfers, a shift from previous practices that focused on more general foreign exchange compliance.

The enhanced reporting framework is designed to provide policymakers with more comprehensive data to assess and manage capital movements, particularly as the Thai currency has strengthened more sharply than many of its regional peers.

In recent months, the baht’s appreciation has outpaced currencies such as the Malaysian ringgit, Singapore dollar and Chinese yuan, placing pressure on Thai exporters and prompting officials to seek tools for better tracking cross-border financial flows.

Governor Vitai underscored that the central bank’s goal is not to target specific transactions but to build a fuller picture of cross-border capital dynamics so that policies can be calibrated appropriately to support sustainable economic growth.

Banks will also be required to report gold trading transactions conducted via digital platforms on both a per-transaction and cumulative daily basis, as rising global gold prices have contributed to increased activity in foreign exchange markets.

The Bank of Thailand is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and other agencies on these efforts, which come amid broader policy deliberations on how best to balance exchange rate stability, financial sector resilience and the ease of doing business in an increasingly interconnected regional economy.

The new reporting regime reflects Thailand’s ongoing commitment to robust financial oversight and its proactive approach to managing external influences on the economy.

By enhancing transparency around large non-resident transfers and other significant market activities, Thai authorities aim to reinforce confidence in the country’s financial system while maintaining the flexibility needed to adapt to evolving global conditions.