Bangkok--Nov 8--SET
Today (November 5, 2004), Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn arrived at The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) leading teachers and 5th year cadets of the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA) who are enrolled in a special class, “The History of the World’s Capitalism”, on a study tour of the SET. The SET Chairman, Mr.Vijit Supinit; SET President, Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong; Lieutenant General Suthep Phosuwan, Commander of the CRMA, as well as numerous executives of the SET and its subsidiaries waited upon HRH. Two SET board members, Mrs. Wiwan Tharahirunchote and Mrs. Asvini Tailanga, and the SET’s Executive Vice President, Mrs. Patareeya Benjapolchai, were the hand-garland presenters.
After HRH proceeded to the 12th floor. Mr.Vijit gave a brief report and presented THB 1.0 mln. worth of contributions. Mr. Kittiratt then gave a presentation on “The Importance of the Stock Market in A Capitalist Economy and the Operation of the SET”.
Mr. Kittiratt summarized the history of the SET that started from its establishment as a juristic person under the Securities and Exchange Act B.E.2517, then opened for operations in April 30, 1975. The SET has been operating with the mission of being a major fundraising channel for businesses as well as being Thailand’s stock exchange. The SET is also determined to educate Thailand’s youth, students, general public, and industry practitioners using a variety of media channels. The SET has traditionally placed importance on social activities as well, and supports numerous activities related to improving community relations. It has established a “SET’s 30th year for the Society” fund with THB 100 mln. in capital. Apart from supporting social activities, the fund will be used for activities related to the celebration of the SET’s 30th year in 2005.
Mr. Kittiratt also spoke on the operations of the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI), a key fundraising channel for small and medium-size Thai enterprises. He also touched upon the bond and derivatives markets that supply the Thai market with various types of fundraising instruments on the one hand and offer investment alternatives on the other hand. These will help drive the Thai economy to attain both prosperity and sustainability.
At 9:55 hours, HRH looked on the first-trading day ceremony of Mangpong Pcl., then proceeded to the Family Know How Co., Ltd. (FKH)’s production studio. The FKH produces the SET’s educational programs for investors and the general public. The Princess viewed a live telecast of “Kao-Than-Talad-Thun” (or “Keeping Abreast with the Market”) program on ModerNine TV which airs Monday — Friday, 10:00 — 10:30 hours.
HRH proceeded from FKH’s studio to the Maruey Information and Resource Center, the SET library that received renovations in 2004. The library was named in honor of Dr. Maruey Phadoongsidhi, the fifth SET President.
The Maruey Information and Resource Center is a modern and well-equipped library, offering an extensive amount of information on finance and investment as well as recommended and best-selling books in various fields. The library is open to the public from 8:30 — 23:00 hours, with a total area of 668 square meters on two floors. It is equipped with 180 seats, 36 computers with Internet access, plus a wireless LAN facility.
On this occasion, SET EVP Mr. Punsak Vejanurug presented a number of SET books and an honorary SET Library membership card with a special code for HRH to access the information system as well as borrow and return library resources through the Internet. The SET will take books to the Bureau of the Royal Household upon request and continually update information about new books and services.
After HRH received the SET Library membership card, SETTRADE.Com’s CEO, Mrs. Chanisa Chutipat, presented a SETSMART Card to HRH.
The Princess proceeded to sign a copy of HRH’s book entitled “Everyday is a Miracle” to mark her visit.
After the book signing event, HRH proceeded to the library’s 2nd floor. Mrs. Chanisa gave a report and demonstrated the SETSMART system. SETSMART provides real-time trading information, listed company information, and current, as well as historical, salient statistics via www.setsmart.com. Interested people can access SETSMART by using their SETSMART Card, which comes with its own access code.
HRH examined the Royal Books Corner, then proceeded to the Exhibition Hall. She kindly gave tokens of appreciation to Mr.Vijit and Mr. Kittiratt. Finally HRH took a photo with the CRMA crew members and the SET executives respectively. HRH left the SET Building at about 12:30 hours.
For more information,
please contact the Media Relations Unit,
Corporate Communication Dept.:
Ladawan Kantawong Tel: 0-2229-2036 /
Kulvida Jintakawong Tel: 0-2229-2037/
Nattaporn Boonprapa Tel: 0-2229-2049 End.