The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced an abrupt suspension of all trading activities for the afternoon session on Friday after a powerful earthquake struck neighboring Myanmar, sending tremors through Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure market stability and protect investors amid the uncertainty caused by the seismic event.
In an official statement posted on its website, the bourse operator confirmed that the suspension applied to all markets, including the SET (Stock Exchange of Thailand), the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI), and the Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX). This meant that both equity and derivative trading were temporarily halted, preventing further price volatility and potential disruptions. The exchange later announced that normal trading operations would resume on Monday, March 31.
Prior to the suspension, the benchmark SET index (.SETI) had fallen by 1.05%, reaching a more than one-week low of 1,175.45 points. The index had remained under pressure throughout the morning session, largely weighed down by concerns over new U.S. auto tariffs and broader economic uncertainties. Market participants were already navigating a challenging environment before the earthquake added another layer of unpredictability.
The earthquake, which had its epicenter in northwest Myanmar, was recorded at 7.7 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremors were felt across the region, shaking buildings in Bangkok and causing panic among residents and office workers, many of whom rushed out into open spaces for safety. Authorities in Thailand reported that they were assessing any structural damage and monitoring potential aftershocks, though no immediate large-scale destruction was reported within the country.
Despite the temporary halt in trading, market analysts believe the long-term impact on Thai equities may be limited, provided that there is no significant damage to key infrastructure or prolonged instability. However, investors will be closely watching the broader regional effects of the earthquake, especially in Myanmar, where the extent of casualties and destruction is still being assessed.
Looking ahead, the SET index is expected to remain volatile when trading resumes on Monday, as investors react to both the earthquake's aftermath and the ongoing trade tensions affecting global markets. The recent U.S. tariffs targeting auto exports have already created uncertainty, particularly for Asian manufacturing economies, and this added disruption could further dampen sentiment. Additionally, concerns over inflation, currency fluctuations, and economic growth prospects continue to influence investor decisions.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, financial markets in Thailand and across Southeast Asia will be bracing for potential aftershocks—both literal and economic—when trading resumes in the coming days.
