Thailand's ESG bond market has expanded steadily in recent years, but nearly 70% of private-sector ESG bond issuance remains concentrated in the energy and transport sectors.
Thailand's sustainable bond market has surpassed 1.1 trillion baht in cumulative issuance, with regulators and market participants now turning their attention to transition finance as the next major growth driver, particularly for carbon-intensive industries seeking funding to support decarbonisation efforts.Speaking at an ESG bond seminar organised by the Thai Bond Market Association (ThaiBMA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels, Ariya Tiranaprakij, president of ThaiBMA, said Thailand's environmental, social and governance (ESG) bond market has expanded steadily over several years.
Between 2019 and April 2026, cumulative ESG bond issuance exceeded 1.1 trillion baht from 43 issuers, while outstanding ESG bonds totalled 1.03 trillion baht.
Despite the strong growth, nearly 70% of private-sector ESG bond issuance remains concentrated in the energy and transport sectors, with most issuers already operating green or low-carbon businesses, she said.
Meanwhile, hard-to-abate industries continue to face challenges in accessing suitable sustainable financing instruments.
