Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that Thailand is at a critical juncture
in its economic restructuring, amid technological change, global supply chains,
and competition to attract investment in industries of the future. The
government has therefore accorded priority to the Investment-led Growth
strategy, using investment as an engine to build new growth potential for the
nation. The objective, however, is not simply the volume of capital attracted,
it is to ensure that such investments create "value" for Thailand
through bringing technology and innovation into the country, creating
high-skilled employment, developing Thai human capital, and integrating Thai
entrepreneurs into the supply chains of modern industries.
BOI to IPO thus serves as an important
mechanism linking investment promotion policy with the capital market, enabling
New Economy businesses that have invested and established operations in
Thailand to grow and continuously expand from Thailand as their base. At the
same time, it channels capital within the Thai economy toward high-potential
businesses, and helps the structure of Thailand's capital market better mirror
the new shape of the Thai economy.
"BOI to IPO is not just a measure to help
companies access the capital market, it is part of a strategy to ensure that
investment creates value for Thailand in the long term. We are not simply
looking to attract technology or New Economy companies to establish a base in
Thailand, we want to see these companies grow, expand their businesses, develop
technology and talent from Thailand, and build a stronger economic ecosystem.
When investment promotion and the capital market move in the same direction,
investment will not stop at the establishment of a factory or the start of a
project, but can, in the long run, build into business growth and new
capabilities for the nation," said Ekniti.
BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi stated that
the BOI to IPO collaboration integrates the tools of all three agencies, with
the BOI providing additional incentives, while the SET and SEC support
companies in preparing for and completing the listing process on the SET or the
Market for Alternative Investment (mai).
“The BOI to IPO initiative links investment
promotion policy with Thailand’s capital market, enabling high-potential
companies to raise capital domestically to support their continued expansion
while strengthening their contribution to Thailand’s long-term economic
development. It also creates opportunities for Thai investors to participate in
high-growth businesses, while listing requirements oblige companies to
strengthen their corporate governance and transparency. This helps ensure that
BOI-promoted investments grow sustainably alongside Thailand’s economy,” said
Narit.
Thailand has well-established success stories
of foreign companies that have invested in the country, established production
bases, and subsequently listed on Thailand's capital market, including Delta
Electronics (Thailand) PCL and Cal-Comp Electronics (Thailand) PCL. The BOI to
IPO initiative builds on these achievements, particularly among New Economy
companies, enabling them to raise capital to support their expansion in
Thailand and use the country as a base for global market growth. Companies will
receive additional incentives on top of their existing ones. New Economy
companies certified by the SET will be eligible for either an additional
three-year corporate income tax exemption, or an additional 50-percent
reduction for five years. General companies will be eligible for either an
additional two-year exemption, or an additional 50-percent reduction for three
years, depending on the type of business activity.
SET President Asadej Kongsiri stated
that the BOI to IPO is a critical component in concretely linking investment
promotion mechanisms with Thailand's capital market, driving New Economy
entrepreneurs toward stock exchange listing. This follows SET's revised listing
criteria enabling BOI-promoted entrepreneurs to list more efficiently and
expeditiously, with listing-related expense support from SET and the Capital
Market Development Fund (CMDF). SET and SEC are also piloting
a streamlined IPO process to reduce the timeframe. SET is confident this
collaboration will enhance the attractiveness of Thailand's capital market and
serve as a key driver for Thailand’s sustainable transition to a New Economy.
SEC Secretary-General
Pornanong Budsaratragoon stated that
the SEC is committed to developing a capital market ecosystem conducive to
fundraising for high-potential companies, particularly New Economy businesses,
which are instrumental in enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness and
driving its long-term transition toward new growth. Cooperation under the BOI
to IPO initiative will help connect BOI-promoted entrepreneurs with the capital
market, enabling them to prepare for and access capital market funding
efficiently. The SEC is ready to work closely with the BOI and the SET to drive
the initiative toward concrete outcomes, while streamlining the IPO approval
process and guidelines to enhance efficiency and align them with international
standards through a disclosure-based approach that emphasises complete and
sufficient information for investor decision-making. The SEC will also promote
the readiness of entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders to enhance corporate
internal controls. These efforts will enable quality
companies to enter the capital market efficiently and appropriately, while
maintaining investor protection and confidence in Thailand’s capital market.
New Economy businesses span 10
target industries: Advanced Agriculture & Food; Biofuels & Biochemicals;
Medical for Future; Creative Tourism; Next-Generation Automotive; Aviation
& Logistics; Digital & e-Commerce; Smart Electronics; Robotics; and
Technology & Innovation, all key drivers propelling
Thailand toward a high-value, sustainable economy.
For more information about the BOI
to IPO program, visit www.set.or.th or contact SET Contact Center at +66
(0) 2009 9999.