Bangkok: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC) is inviting public comments on a draft regulation aimed at amending the prohibited characteristics of major shareholders in securities businesses, derivatives trading businesses, and digital asset businesses. The initiative is intended to ensure that major shareholders have the appropriate qualifications, thereby enhancing the credibility of the Thai capital market. The deadline for submitting comments is August 18, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the principles regarding prohibited characteristics of business operators have been revised to offer greater clarity and comprehensive coverage of evolving risk profiles. A public consultation on these principles took place from April to May 2026, during which the majority of stakeholders expressed agreement with the proposed principles.
The SEC has since prepared three draft regulations in line with these principles and is now seeking public feedback. Key elements of the draft regulations include the establishment of a consistent set of prohibited characteristics for major shareholders across all types of businesses. This aims to provide greater clarity and coverage of current risk developments, such as expanding the scope to include money laundering offenses, the financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the regulations specify that major offenses should cover all relevant laws under the SEC's supervision to accommodate cross-sector risks.
Moreover, the draft regulations propose a standard for evaluating the severity of the behavior of major shareholders across all business types. A transitional provision of 90 days from the date the announcement comes into effect is also included, allowing business operators and major shareholders time to prepare for enforcement.