Deloitte report: Thai companies strengthen ESG measures as sustainable finance accelerates

BANGKOK, 20 November 2025 – Organisations in Thailand can do more to strengthen ESG data collection and reporting systems, as well as expand partnerships across their value chains, according to Deloitte’s latest report. This is given the rising regulatory expectations and disclosure standards, as well as sustainable finance fast becoming a critical lever for market development.

Deloitte’s report, “Driving Sustainable Success: ESG Reporting and Policy Developments in Thailand”, highlights rapid regulatory progress in the adoption of ESG principles, which positions Thailand as an influential player in the region’s green transition. However, the report notes that companies need to invest more in systems, governance, and supply chain visibility to meet ESG demands, and tap on sustainable finance.

“Sustainability has become a prerequisite for global competitiveness. By advancing ESG integration, policymakers are creating an environment that enables organisations to achieve long-term growth. Strong regulation and consistent reporting standards are vital to building trust and accelerating sustainable development across Southeast Asia,” said Thawatchai KIATKWANKUL, Regulatory and Public Policy Leader, Deloitte Southeast Asia.

Kasiti KETSURIYONK, Audit & Assurance Partner, Deloitte Thailand, added: “Sustainable investments are crucial in directing private sector resources for the benefit of society and the environment. For such investments to succeed in this objective, they must be accompanied by sound policies and regulations. Organisations that proactively align themselves to ESG requirements and principles will be better placed to access capital and deliver long-term value.”

Thailand’s leadership in ESG policy and regulation

A key observation from the report is that Thailand is setting a strong example in advancing sustainability reporting and sustainable finance. Its regulatory bodies, including the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Bank of Thailand (BOT), are formulating new policies on carbon tax, emissions trading, and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Regulators are also shaping a resilient ecosystem through frameworks and guidelines, for sustainability bond issuance, ESG disclosure standards, and the Thailand Taxonomy for green economic activities. For example, the SET’s Sustainability Reporting Guide for Listed Companies provides a clear reporting framework and sustainability performance indicators that respond to the needs of investors and stakeholders in the Thai context.

These measures reinforce Thailand’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065^[1].

Josette SOH, Sustainability & Emerging Assurance Partner, Deloitte Singapore, noted: “Regulatory momentum, along with stakeholder expectations, continues to shape the ESG landscape across Southeast Asia, including Thailand. As policymakers introduce new taxonomies, disclosure standards and incentives, organisations must be agile in adapting to these changes. Those who proactively align with evolving regulations and invest in credible ESG reporting will be best positioned to attract sustainable finance and maintain stakeholder trust.”

Innovations in sustainable finance

Additionally, the report recommends how organisations and investors can maximise the impact of ESG by acting on the latest developments, for instance to embed ESG principles across their operations, strengthen stakeholder engagement and due diligence, exercise shareholder rights, and leverage opportunities in green bonds and social funds.

Deloitte’s report details the rise of green bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, and digital sustainability tokens, which are unlocking new avenues for private sector investment in environmental and social initiatives. Investors increasingly seek high-quality ESG assurance to improve risk management, ensure compliance, and guide investment decisions. Towards this end, Thailand’s SET Carbon Platform is one example of a novel digital solution that enables easier ESG data collection and reporting, particularly for small-and-medium enterprises.

Recommendations to maximise the impact of ESG

The report urges stakeholders, including organisations and investors, to better understand and take action based on the latest ESG developments and insights.

Key recommendations include:

• Practise ESG meaningfully: Organisations need to provide ESG-related training, guidance and incentives. They should also apply ESG considerations to all investments, rather than limited to certain funds and bonds.
• Engage meaningfully with stakeholders: When engaging with other organisations, leaders should be equipped with knowledge and awareness of ESG due diligence, in order to mitigate risks.
• Exercise shareholder rights: Investors should understand the relevant laws and regulations in different countries, and if necessary, take shareholder action to establish precedence in ESG stewardship.
• Focus on the credibility and increased opportunity created by bonds and social funds: Asia’s rapid wealth creation and high savings rates have created a pool of capital that could help support sustainable investments. Pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors can consider integrating ESG strategies into their overall portfolio.

For more information, view the full report at https://www.deloitte.com/southeast-asia/en/services/consulting/perspectives/esg-reporting-policy-thailand.html

^[1] United Nations Development Programme (2025), “Thailand”, https://climatepromise.undp.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/thailand