Late shift on Thailand’s stock market clock as SET goes global

Night-time trading opens doors for globe-trotting Thai investors

Bob Scott17 minutes agoLast Updated: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

57 2 minutes read

Late shift on Thailand’s stock market clock as SET goes global — Picture of the SET building courtesy of fitwel

Thailand’s stock market is pulling a night shift, with extended hours letting investors chase Wall Street and European giants well into the wee hours, starting May 6.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) is throwing open its doors around the clock for global investment, with new trading hours for depositary receipts (DRs) linked to US and European securities launching this month.

From Tuesday, May 6, Thai investors will be able to trade these DRs in two sessions, 10am to 4.30pm and 7pm to 3am the following day, Bangkok time, offering real-time exposure to major overseas markets from the comfort of home, said SET Senior Executive Vice President Rinjai Chakornpipat.

“This trading hour extension will provide Thai investors with enhanced access to foreign securities via the SET for portfolio diversification and greater investment options that match their needs, while enabling a scalable framework for future product development.”

DRs linked to Asian markets will still trade during regular Thai hours.

Late shift on Thailand's stock market clock as SET goes global | News by Thaiger — Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

In another major upgrade, 20 fractional depositary receipts (DRx) linked to US-listed stocks will be automatically merged with their corresponding DRs on May 6.

The move aims to simplify the trading process, allowing investors to monitor prices and make trades through their usual brokerage platforms without missing a beat, Rinjai said.

“The improvements will simplify the trading experience and offer greater flexibility for investors seeking global diversification through the Thai market.”

DRs and DRx have soared in popularity among Thai investors, thanks to their convenience, allowing punters to snap up slices of big-name foreign shares in baht, and the juicy returns they often deliver compared to local equities.

As of April 23, there were 89 DR and DRx products on the SET, tied to top securities across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Five issuers are currently licensed, and the combined market cap stands at around 31 billion baht (US$926 million), with daily trading value averaging 580 million baht, a staggering 140% leap from last year.

Bangkok Post reported that prices for DRs are referenced to the original shares abroad, though with a slight 15-minute delay.

And there’s more to come: the SET is expecting 30 new DR listings this month alone, as investor appetite continues to climb.

Multiple DRs tied to the same underlying foreign stock, but issued by different sponsors, may also be introduced soon, increasing choice and competition, Rinjai said.

“The expansion of DR trading hours and consolidation of DRx is part of our long-term commitment to making international investment more accessible, flexible, and investor-friendly.”

With late-night trades now on the menu, Thai investors are all set to go global, no passport required.

Bob Scott

Bob Scott is an experienced writer and editor with a passion for travel. Born and raised in Newcastle, England, he spent more than 10 years in Asia. He worked as a sports writer in the north of England and London before relocating to Asia. Now he resides in Bangkok, Thailand, where he is the Editor-in-Chief for The Thaiger English News. With a vast amount of experience from living and writing abroad, Bob Scott is an expert on all things related to Asian culture and lifestyle.