Bangkok--Aug 26--SET
The SET has approved the listing of the first two tranches of savings bonds worth THB70 bln. (approx. USD 1.7 bln.), on the Bond Electronic Exchange (BEX). These bonds will use “SB118A” and “SB148A” as their trading symbols and will commence trading on the BEX on August 26, 2005.
These savings bonds were issued by the Ministry of Finance in August 2004. The bonds were sold to Thai individuals, cooperatives, foundations, temples, academic institutions, and hospitals. The bonds could not be redeemed or transferred before August 26, 2005.
“Listing savings bonds on the BEX will help investors increase their liquidity. People who’d like to buy savings bonds can buy through the BEX. People who would like to sell their bonds before maturity can also do so through the BEX. These savings bonds have a par value of THB10,000 each, and can be traded on the Main and Big-Lot Boards. Small fraction trades of less than 100 units, will be traded on the Odd-Lot Board,” BEX CEO Mr. Santi Kiranand Ph.D., said.
As Dr. Santi went on, listing of this first savings bond issue helps the BEX to play a more important role in government bond trading. These savings bonds will increase the total outstanding value of government bonds on the BEX to THB388.19 bln. (approx. USD9.47 bln.), and that of all listed bonds to THB639.14 bln. (approx. USD15.6 bln.) Currently there are a total of 71 bond issues listed.
The newly-listed savings bonds are comprised of two tranches:
1) “SB118A”, a 7-year bond worth THB26.7 bln. (approx. USD0.65 bln.) issued during the government budget year 2004 with a fixed coupon rate of 5.1% p.a. which will come due in 2011.
2) “SB148A”, a 10-year bond worth THB43.3 bln. (approx. USD1.06 bln.) issued during the government budget year 2004 with a fixed coupon rate of 5.9% p.a. which will come due in 2014.
Interest payments for SB118A and SB148A will be made every six months on February 26 and August 26 every year until maturity, starting on August 26, 2005.
For more information on investing in or transferring bonds, please consult with the SET’s member companies or contact the BEX by calling 0-2229-2783-91, or browse www.bex.or.th
For more information,
please contact the Corporate Communication Dept.:
Ladawan Kantawong Tel: 0-2229-2036
Kulvida Jintakawong Tel: 0-2229-2037
Nattaporn Boonprapa Tel: 0-2229-2049
Watsamon Saowakhonsathien Tel: 0-2229-2797 End.