Investors Need to Know: What Does "Getting Stuck" Mean and How to Avoid It

In the investment world, there is a term that makes investors’ hearts tremble—“ติดดอย” (Doi). It is a state that no one wants to face, but for those who are new to this field, they may not fully understand it yet. This article will reveal the mystery of ติดดอย and show everyone the truth, along with practical tips for prevention.

ติดดอย That Has and Has No Way Out

ติดดอย is a situation where investors buy assets—whether stocks, crypto, or other securities—hoping that the price will rise. But what actually happens is the price steadily declines. Instead of cutting losses by selling, they choose to “hold on” in the hope of a rebound. The result is deeper losses, higher average costs, and mental suffering.

Why Risk Takes Half the Gain: Three Causes of ติดดอย

First problem: Following the emotional trend and forcing the price

Many novice investors buy stocks because they see that “it’s trending now,” with rising prices and high trading volume. They do not analyze the company’s fundamentals at all, entering at the peak price. For example, stock ABC, which over the past half-year has been steady at 5 baht, with a modest trading volume of 1,000 shares per day initially. But a few weeks ago, the price reversed—approaching 10 baht, as investors flooded in. Seeing the opportunity and the chaotic atmosphere, what happens is that ABC stock begins to recover, dropping back to 3 baht. Without signs of rising again, investors who bought at 10 baht will now see a return of only 3,000 baht from their 10,000 baht investment, losing 7,000 baht—especially because they “ติดดอย” by waiting for it to bounce back.

Second problem: Rumors from mysterious sources

Often, some investors hear news that “a major investor is entering” or “good news will be announced soon.” They buy first and analyze later—or not at all. True, large shareholders want to sell at good prices, so they spread “viral” rumors to trap the market. When the crowd rushes in, prices soar. The old shareholders sell everything. Once they have sold out, the rumors disappear, trading volume shrinks, and prices crash. New investors get caught—trapped in ติดดอย without any help.

Third problem: Buying good stocks at unfairly high prices

Some investors do thorough analysis, studying the company’s fundamentals, and find that MOE looks genuinely good, with impressive growth rates, a solid structure, and an acceptable P/E ratio. But the problem is they buy at high prices. When earnings are announced as “slowing down” or worse—“possibly stopping”—these investors hold on, thinking “not selling = not losing.” The result is they are stuck in ติดดอย.

4 Ways to Avoid: Downward Doi Instead of ติดดอย

1. Stop Loss must be clear—no room for emotion

The Stop Loss point is the “red line” you draw before entering the market. For example, buying UAA at 20 baht, setting a limit to “accept a loss of no more than 5%,” which is 1 baht. So if the price drops to 19 baht, sell immediately. No praying, no waiting, no hoping. Because Stop Loss varies for everyone—depending on your risk tolerance and capital.

2. Target Sell: Enter quickly, exit decisively

For traders seeking short-term profits or day trading, setting a clear sell point is essential. When the price hits the target, sell immediately. For example, buying DEF at 5 baht, 5,000 shares, investing 25,000 baht, and setting a target sell at 5.2 baht. When it reaches 5.2, sell to realize a 1,000 baht profit. To expand further, you can use scalping techniques—small rounds, frequent trades, multiple profits.

3. Study and stop “following the trend” after you understand

Invest in what you understand—not just as a comforting phrase, but as a crucial truth. Before rushing to buy any stock, “study” first. Check if the business has strong fundamentals, if earnings are growing, and importantly—if the stock price matches its true value. Don’t just follow the trend, because the current heat will soon turn into regret.

4. Averaging Down: A tool to escape Doi for those confident in fundamentals

If you find that the stock truly has good fundamentals but you are stuck in ติดดอย, there is another way—“averaging down.” For example, buying at 1 baht, 1,000 shares, costing 1,000 baht. When the price drops to 0.5 baht, you “buy more” with 2,000 shares, costing another 1,000 baht. Now you hold 3,000 shares with an average cost of 0.67 baht per share. When the price rebounds above 0.67, you start making profits. And you successfully “downward Doi”—but this technique only works if the stock’s fundamentals are genuinely good. If the stock deteriorates further, it only worsens your account.

Conclusion: Fear does not reduce losses

If you’re afraid of being stuck in ติดดอย and stopping your trading, it’s better to change your mindset. “ติดดอย” is not destiny; it is the “result of decision-making.” And that decision can be avoided by preparing well, planning clearly, and practicing discipline. Everyone can “downward Doi” instead of “ติดดอย” because “downward Doi” is within your control—while ติดดอย" results from repeated “bad decisions.” This is a significant difference between “investors” and “people who have invested before.”