Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comprise a significant proportion of Thailand’s economic base and are critical for ongoing economic diversification, making SME financing a government priority. However, commercial SME lending in Thailand is expected to slow in 2016, as the ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) rises against a backdrop of slowing economic growth. Recognising this, the Ministry…
Foreign investors play an important role in the Thai capital markets, and their participation is highly valued. But their involvement is conditional due to restrictions on foreign investment. While these limits are likely to remain in place, the authorities in the country are making efforts to attract non-local money to the markets. Routes To The Market Foreign investors are free to participate in…
The Company Airports of Thailand (AOT) was formerly a government entity. The company changed its status to a public company in September 2002. Currently, Thailand’s Ministry of Finance holds a 70% investment stake in AOT. It operates six airports nationwide, including two in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport, or SBIA, and Don Mueang International Airport, or DMK), two airports in the north…
The Company Amata Corporation (Amata) is one of the leading industrial estate developers and managers in Thailand. Amata has built a strong regional platform that serves a portfolio of over 1000 clients from around the globe. Inside its projects, the company is responsible for road systems, security systems, reliable utilities and waste disposal facilities. It also offers ready-built factories in…
The Company Central Pattana (CPN) is Thailand’s largest shopping mall developer, with a 20% market share in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. The company, established in 1980, is one of the flagship businesses of the Central Group (Chirathivat family), which is involved in the retail, hotel, restaurant and trading businesses. The Central Group holds a 55% stake in the company. CPN became a listed company…
Thailand had the strongest initial public offering (IPO) market in the region in 2015. Not only was a significant amount of new equity sold, but the issuers represented a good cross-section of the economy. In terms of deal flow and demand, 2016 is looking good as well. Despite the weak benchmark index in the face of political uncertainty and international headwinds, the new offering market has outperformed…
The Company SEAFCO was incorporated in 1974, with registered capital of BT3m ($90,300) (paid-up capital of BT1.5m, $45,150 ) and a par value of BT1000 ($30). The company focused on the construction of small-diameter bored piles. SEAFCO increased its capital to BT120m ($3.6m), and changed a par value from BT1000 ($30) to BT100 ($3) in 1994. SEAFCO changed the par value from BT100 ($3) to BT1 ($0.03)…
The Company Srisawad Power 1979 (SAWAD) was established by the Kaewbootta family mainly to offer collateral-backed consumer loans. Moreover, it offers auto hire purchase loans for new motorcycles and non-collateralised personal loans. However, the firm is tending to lower its exposure to these businesses as it prefers to focus more on collateral-backed lending. In addition, SAWAD offers other auto-related…
Thailand is currently working to encourage farmers to protect their crops with insurance products. The authorities are using a combination of subsidies and education in order to increase the acceptance and purchase of the relevant policies. However, the roll-out may not be straightforward, and the long-term prospects are uncertain. Agricultural insurance products have historically been expensive, under-appreciated…
The Company Started in 1989, Workpoint is a TV broadcasting production house with an expertise in game shows and variety programmes. Many of these have become very successful and one of its famous shows, “Ching Roi Ching Lan”, has been on the air for more than two decades. The key persons behind Workpoint’s success are Phanya Nirunkul and Prapas Cholsaranon, with each holding about 30% of the…
