Second, as commercial banks’ started to return to profitability in 2000 (Chart 2)
and less preoccupied with internal restructuring, the situation was right for authorities to pursue dramatic market reforms. Third, with commercial banks having the biggest
and most widespread distribution channels relative to other types of financial
institutions, they offer a powerful tool for providing financial services, such as
securities and insurance, to various underserved communities nationwide. Lastly, any
development plan that covered the capital market would be potentially duplicate the
Stock Exchange of Thailand’s (SET) Capital Market Master Plan.