The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) today stated that Thai listed companies have continued to mark outstanding sustainability developments globally. This year, 26 Thai listed companies have been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), namely ADVANC, AOT, BANPU, BDMS, BJC, BTS, CPALL, CPF, CPN, CRC, DELTA, EGCO, GPSC, HMPRO, IRPC, IVL, KBANK, MINT, PTT, PTTGC, SCB, SCC, SCGP, TOP, TRUE and TU. Among them, three have been new additions, namely CRC, GPSC and SCGP. Thailand is the country with the highest number of listed companies in ASEAN for nine consecutive years, reflecting the commitment of Thai listed companies to the significance of balancing business and social operations, as such building confidence among both domestic and foreign investors.
SET President Pakorn Peetathawatchai said that one of SET's missions is to drive the Thai capital market towards sustainability by encouraging investors to realize the importance of sustainable investment, as well as supporting listed companies to operate business sustainably, exhibiting the true value of the business to achieve balanced growth. Thai listed companies have continuously been welcomed to participate in world-class sustainability assessments conducted by MSCI, FTSE and S&P Global.
As for the results of the stock selection for the 2022 DJSI Sustainability Index by S&P Global, 26 Thai listed companies have been selected, considered the highest number in ASEAN for nine consecutive years, while 40 and 42 Thai listed companies have been included in the FTSE4Good Index and MSCI ESG Universal Index respectively, also number one in ASEAN, demonstrating listed companies' commitment and priority towards sustainability. Significantly, SET has an ongoing mission to prepare listed companies to move forward to be listed on international indices so as to make investment appeal. SET has also linked the ESG information from global sustainability rating agencies to make related information more conveniently accessible to Thai investors.
"Operating businesses by taking environmental, social and governance or ESG into consideration has numerous benefits. On top of being a risk management tool or a shield to protect the business and overcome various crises, it can also increase opportunities and enhance competitiveness, while building confidence among stakeholders in all sectors. The increase in Thai listed companies being selected as members of the DJSI Sustainability Indices is evident that various businesses focus on both delivering good operating results and ESG performance. In the latest assessment, S&P Global has raised standards in several issues, such as business operations towards net-zero commitment, the task force on climate-related financial disclosures (TCFD), and operating with regard to occupational safety and health. Therefore, listed companies adapting in the operational process throughout the supply chain to be in line with these issues will not only create positive impact on their business but also enhance the attractiveness of the Thai capital market as well as credibility among both domestic and foreign investors," added Pakorn.
Among this year's 26 inclusions, 11 listed companies have been selected as components of the DJSI World Index, which are world-class companies with potential in terms of size and sustainability assessment results, namely ADVANC, AOT, CPALL, CPN, DELTA, IVL, KBANK, PTT, PTTGC, SCB and SCC.
The announcement of the list of DJSI group members will be effective from December 19, 2022.