Central bank allows more baht outflow aimed to curb appreciation

Investors with Bt50 million to Bt100 million can now invest up to US$1 million abroad directly without requiring a middleman.
The move comes amid concern over the baht’s rapid appreciation against the US dollar. Greater baht outflow is expected to weaken the baht’s value.
The relaxed regulation is expected to increase the number of Thais investing overseas.
Until now, investors had to have assets worth Bt100 million or more and limited their overseas exposure to $5 million.
To invest more, they needed to use a brokerage firm, commercial bank or other financial institution approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Vachira said the rule was relaxed in line with efforts to promote ease of doing business, helping investors diversify their investment for better risk management.