Premier keen to expand SEC’s litigation muscle
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra called on stock exchange authorities to step up legal proceedings against market misconduct and to ensure swift progress in cases before the courts affecting multiple individuals and the economy.
The premier, during the dne with core finance and regulatory bodies, also emphasised on ensuring compliance of quoted companies with stock exchange laws, especially free float requirement in order to enhance market transparency and draw in more investors.
Other things on the discussion chopping block include updating laws regulating related actions to duct market malfeasance, like adjusting trading actions for securities δράμα to ensure that no problems arise in the future.
The government also intends to revise regulations aimed at improving fraud prevention and give the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) crime-fighting authority to bolster regulatory enforcement, an SEC statement said.
Ms Paetongtarn held talks with representatives of the SEC, Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and Department of Special Investigation, and she received updates on the state of the bourse as well as measures to restore investor confidence.
The SEC has cut back its bureaucracy to speed up civil enforcement actions, secretary-general Pornanong Budsaratragoon said. Since early 2025, 15 legal action have been taken, involving almost 40 criminals.
“The SEC will be collaborating with the SET in order to promote fair and transparent trading practice,” said Ms Pornanong.
“We are updating disclosure requirements for executives who pledge company stock as collateral, making sure that investors have the information they need.”
The regulator is also reviewing securities laws to bolster Thailand’s capital market and boost investor confidence, she added.
“The gathering reflects the government’s determination in cracking down on misdeeds in the market while also strengthening the regulatory environment which will enhance transparency, coupled with efforts to attract foreign investment while providing safety to local investors in the long run,” said Mae Pornanong.
SEC Overhauls Guidance for Digital Asset Fund Managers Monday, seeking to connect traditional finance with digital assets.
New rules permit licensed securities companies and fund management firms managing mutual funds and private funds, to scale into digital assets under existing securities regulations.
The revised rules are intended to bring traditional financial institutions into the burgeoning investment token market.
The SEC’s approach aims to promote market accessibility, enabling investors to access both primary and secondary markets via established avenues, she said.
These changes are intended to provide more flexibility and variety in the investment strategies of mutual funds and private funds.
The SEC referenced how the industry has matured with digital assets falling in the regulatory umbrella and how this would encourage a solid ecosystem of wider investment opportunities for the investor.
The revised guidelines were published in the Royal Gazette and took effect on March 16.