Deloitte announced today the launch of its Board-Ready Women Programme in Thailand, an initiative designed to equip aspiring female board members with the knowledge, networks, and confidence to step into boardroom roles across Thailand’s public and private sectors.
In this inaugural year, the invite-only programme will run from May to August 2026. It brings together senior directors, regulators, and business leaders to guide participants through the evolving demands of board leadership — from governance fundamentals and fiduciary responsibilities to personal branding, cybersecurity, and AI governance.
Thailand has an uneven track record for female representation in senior executive roles, especially board representation. Women occupy just 20% of board seats among companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), slightly above the Asian average of 18%, according to a 2026 report by the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative.
“Boards today are navigating a more complex landscape than ever before — from digital disruption and shifting geopolitical dynamics to heightened scrutiny on governance and accountability. Diversity of experience and perspective is not just a principle we believe in; it is a strategic necessity for boards that want to lead effectively. This programme is our commitment to developing the next generation of women leaders who are ready to take their seat at the table,” said Dr. Metinee Jongsaliswang, Country Managing Partner, Deloitte Thailand & Laos and board member for Deloitte Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific.
This year’s programme brings together an exceptionally distinguished and high-profile line-up of speakers, carefully selected from Thailand’s most respected and influential institutions. These include leading voices from the Thai Institute of Directors and the SET, alongside senior executives and thought leaders from prominent corporations.
This convergence of expertise ensures not only a depth of insight but also a breadth of perspectives at the highest level of leadership and governance. Attendees can expect to engage with individuals who are shaping the strategic direction of Thailand’s business landscape, making this programme a uniquely important platform for knowledge exchange, forward-thinking dialogue, and impactful networking.
“Thailand has made real progress in developing women leaders across its corporate sector, but boardroom representation remains an area where we can and must do more. Talent has no gender boundaries, and diverse boards are better equipped to meet today’s changing expectations placed on boards. Programmes like this play an important role in building a path to the boardroom for the next generation of directors,” said Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairperson of the Board, Kasikornbank Public Company Limited.
“The Thai Institute of Directors has long championed the view that good governance begins with well-prepared directors. When boards invest in the quality and diversity of their composition, they make better decisions, ask harder questions, and build more resilient organisations. This programme addresses a real gap in the landscape in supporting aspiring directors. Expanding the pipeline of board-ready women can help us to meet the expectations of regulators, investors, and the public alike,” said Dr. Kulpatra Sirodom, Honorary Chair, Thai Institute of Directors Association.
The Board-Ready Women Programme is an initiative of the Deloitte Southeast Asia Boardroom Programme. The Deloitte Boardroom Programme aims to address critical governance challenges of the 21st century, and equip boards and senior C-suite leaders with the resources, tools, and know-how to navigate uncertainty amidst a shifting business landscape.
“Over the past decade, the Board-Ready Women Programme has grown in impact and presence across Southeast Asia, offering curated thought leadership and networking opportunities to participants. Now, we are excited to bring this programme to Thailand to empower senior women executives to step into the boardroom and contribute to excellence in corporate governance with their unique perspectives,” said Ms. Seah Gek Choo, Boardroom Programme Leader, Deloitte Southeast Asia.
