Bangkok--Oct 24--SET The Stock Exchange of Thailand announces the inauguration of SETTRADE.COM Co., Ltd., to develop a trading information technology system and central website. This new company will provide securities companies and investors with internet securities trading services to enhance trading efficiency and reduce securities companies' overall operational costs. SETTRADE.COM willcommence services on November 3, 2000. The SET President, Mr. Vicharat Vichit-Vadakarn, disclosed that the Stock Exchange of Thailand has set up SETTRADE.COM Co., Ltd. to create an information technology and communicationnetwork systemพlinked with the securities trading industryพto create a more efficient central information technology vehicle that will increase trading volume and improve security systems. SETTRADE.COM's services are targeted at securities companies interested in trading via the internet, so that they can reduce risks and investment expenses involved in developing their own systems and networks. SETTRADE.COM is also aiming for greater investor convenience by providing them with a more rapid, secure and low-cost service for sending their trading orders. These new services are designed to promote securities trading via the internet and to help reduce overall costs for the Thai securities trading business. SETTRADE.COM Co., Ltd. has a registered capital of 80 million baht, and is a joint venture between the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Netlife Group, a German Information Technology Specialist. The SET is the main shareholder with 70 per cent of the registered capital while the remaining 30 per cent belongs to Netlife and MyEtrade. The SET's main objective in setting up SETTRADE.COM is to establish a stable, secure and efficient information technology service center for the securities trading business. The company provides one-stop quality services to support internet trading business: 1) order transmission, 2) account management for clients and their after sale operations, 3) management of and service on information concerning securities investments, at reasonable prices and services of international standard quality. These services will be beneficial to everyone, securities companies and investors, and will also enhance competition in the overall securities business. The newly-established company has completed its organizational setup and supporting network development, and will start receiving orders from investors and securities companies via its new website www.SETTRADE.COM on November 3. On the occasion of the official opening ceremony of SETTRADE.COM Co., Ltd. and the start of services to members and the public in November 2000, the company, together with several of Thailand's large internet service providers and information and Web Portal providers, will be holding a seminar entitled "Investor Forum" to educate investors and the public on securities trading via the internet on Friday, November 3 from 8.30 - 17.00 at the SET Auditorium, Rachadapisek Road. Featured activities include lectures for investors by distinguished guest speakers, "Money Talk" Live, and exhibitions by member companies, Thai internet service providers and other information providers. For those who are interested in using SETTRADE.COM's services or in joining the seminar, please contact Tel. 229-2313 and 229-2315, Fax. 359-1005-6 for further information or reservations. AttachmentSummary of InformationSETTRADE.COM Co., Ltd.Headquarters: The Stock Exchange of Thailand, 62 Rachadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel. 229-2000 Fax. 651-1181-22Paid-Up Capital: Baht 80 millionPar Value: Baht 100 Shareholders: Name Shares Percentage The Stock Exchange of Thailand 560,000 70 Netlife 120,000 15 MyEtrade 120,000 15Business Type: The company provides services on development of computer systems, information technology and communication network systems relating to or linked with securities trading to securities companies and other concerned parties, including continuous technology services to promote and support securities internet trading or e-trading. Company Efficiency: order transmitting system directly linked with theHighlights: SET order receiving system Reliability: structured to International Standard, with a back-up site Security: secure and modern end-to-end Encryption and Virtual Private Network services for investors Scalability: chosen system architecture and information technology enables computer system to send and receive trading orders that will support unlimited future growth. Business Opportunities: investor group expansion supported by various business alliances, e.g.,. internet web portal provider companies and information provider companies. Future Projects: The company is presently undergoing appropriate innovation, studying technology from expert companies and expanding its scope of services, which will lead to one-stop service offering ultimate convenience for investors, including mobile securities trading and e-settlement.Board: October 24, 2000: NAME TITLE 1. Dr.Surat Palalikit President 2. Mr. Boonklee Plangsiri Committee 3. Mr. Visit Tantisoonthorn Committee 4. Mr. Somkid Jiranantarat Committee 5. Dr. Piyapan Tayanithi Committee 6. Mr. Randall Choo Committee 7. Mr. Lee Eng Wah CommitteeAccounting Period: January - DecemberFor further information, please contact:Investor Relations and Communications Tel. 229-2040 to 43 or 229-2046 Fax. 359-1005End.-SS-