Trading Thai Bonds - Is it possible?

[ExpatOilWorker]

As an alternative to the abysmal low interest rates paid for deposits at Thai banks, I would like to buy some Thai (baht) denominated corporate bonds, but so far I have hit a brick wall.

 

Apparently only 5 banks are allowed to trade bonds and I actually managed to get in contact with Kasikorn's bond trading desk, but you have to be approved before being able to trade bonds. There are about 1,000 bonds issued in Thailand, but you can only trade what they quote.

 

The Thai Bond Market Association (http://www.thaibma.or.th), isn't of much help, as you have to sign up and pay a steep fee to see bond rates on their website.

 

I have also contacted TISCO (https://www.tisco.co.th/en) and hope to get a reply next week.

 

Is it at all possible as an individual to trade bonds in Thailand?  

[allane]

I once talked to a bond guy at a now defunct bank. At least in that one instance, the minimum purchase amount was quite high; sorry I can't recall the amount. There are bond mutual funds available.