FETCO reveals IMF ranks Thailand among top 4 global AI beneficiaries, driving SET up nearly 30%
Industry
The Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations revealed that the IMF has ranked Thailand among the top four countries in the world benefiting from AI, resulting in the SET Index rising 28.9% in the first seven months of 2026 to close at 1,623.64 points, outperforming global stock returns of 10% and emerging market returns of 19%. Mr. Paiboon Narintharangkul, Chairman of FETCO, stated that the IMF recently issued a report naming the countries that benefited most from AI in the first half of the year as South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia, marking the first time an organization of the IMF's stature has mentioned Thailand in the context of the new economy. The investor confidence index for the next three months is in the bullish zone at 146.72, supported by capital inflows expected to exceed 100 billion baht, up from over 70 billion baht currently, with the SET Index forecast to reach 1,700 points by year-end. The outlook is for a continued uptrend over the next one to two years, driven by a strong global economy, geopolitical risk diversification, Thailand's economic recovery, and growing listed company profits. Key risk factors are foreign direct investment and political stability. Additionally, clarity on the TISA project from the Ministry of Finance is being monitored, with hopes it can commence even if the tax deduction amount may be reduced. Regarding the TSD data leak, confidence remains unaffected as the Stock Exchange of Thailand quickly shut down the system, and cyber threats are a constant concern.
