27 September 2012

Among 11 capital markets in Asia, Thailand is now ranked third in the CG Watch 2012, following Singapore and Hong Kong. In the ranking completed by Asian Corporate Governance Association and CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, Japan and Malaysia are ranked behind Thailand.

In the latest ranking, Thailand’s scores improved thanks to improvement in four areas - (1) speedy information disclosure by listed companies and tough auditing rules, (2) rule enforcement among the private sector, (3) accounting and auditing, and (4) overall prospect of corporate governance. Yet, Thailand’s score in the political/law category is unchanged, on view that Thailand has moved slowly on legal amendments. Under this category, the Securities and Exchange of Thailand and Stock Exchange of Thailand are also advised to improve their websites to be more user-friendly.

"The assessment gives us an insight into our strengths and weakpoints, which will help us address problems at the right place. The ranking also tells us where we are and where is our next goal. The ranking, behind only Singapore and Hong Kong, demonstrates collaboration of all parties," said SEC Secretary General Vorapol Socatiyanurak.

-Extract from The Nation, 27 September 2012-