Bangkok--28 Aug--SET Thailand’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Chalongphob Sussangkarn Ph.D., chaired the opening ceremony at this year’s inaugural Shareholders’ Day, and distributed shareholder awards to 10 outstanding listed companies and three individual shareholders. The event promotes good governance, with particular emphasis on shareholders’ rights. Thailand Securities Depository Co., Ltd. (TSD), together with the Listed Companies Association and Thai Investor Relations Club, hosted Shareholders’ Day during August 25 — 26, 2007, at the Esplanade Complex, Bangkok. In his opening address, Dr. Chalongphob expressed his appreciation to the co-hosts, and noted the importance of good governance in providing long-term benefit to the Thai capital market. The organizers were honored to have the Finance Minster presiding and delivering the awards. It is encouraging to know that he also gives a high priority to full information disclosure, and the rights, equitable treatment and freedom of expression of shareholders, TSD Chief Executive Officer Ms. Sopawadee Lertmanaschai said. The 10 outstanding listed companies receiving the Best Shareholder Treatment Awards are (in alphabetical order): 1. The Aromatics (Thailand) PCL (ATC) 2. Bangkok Expressway PCL (BECL) 3. Bualuang Securities PCL (BLS) 4. Kasikornbank PCL (KBANK) 5. Kiatnakin Bank PCL (KK) 6. Krung Thai Bank PCL (KTB) 7. PTT Exploration and Production PCL (PTTEP) 8. The Siam Cement PCL (SCC) 9. The Siam Commercial Samaggi Insurance PCL (SCSMG) 10. TISCO Bank PCL (TISCO) The three individual shareholders receiving the Valued Shareholder Awards are (in alphabetical order): 1. Dr. Bamrung Sri-Ngam MD 2. Mr. Peeranart Chokvattana 3. Mr. Hangchai Akkavaskul These three individuals actively promoted their rights as shareholders. They monitored the performance of listed companies’ management and directors, became knowledgeable about these firms and their regulatory environment, and posed astute questions at shareholders’ meetings. They shared their insights into public companies, and took action to protect their rights when irregularities occurred. “Shareholders’ Day strengthens the ties between listed companies and shareholders, and bolsters the confidence of investors in these firms and the overall market. In future, TSD, as the registrar of listed companies, will increasingly work with organizations to facilitate the exercise and protection of shareholders’ rights, e.g. ensuring that documents are distributed well in advance of shareholders’ meetings, and dealing with issues relating to proxy voting,” Ms. Sopawadee added. Candidates for Best Shareholder Treatment Awards were assessed against an annual general meeting (AGM) checklist prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, information disclosure and dissemination on the SETSMART system and the standards of companies’ annual reports. Candidates for the Valued Shareholder Awards were selected from the Thai Investors Association’s shortlist derived from shareholders’ meetings. Listed companies also voted for this award. For more information, please contact TSD Business Relations Unit Ms. Malyn Pienchob / Ms. Chantanee Pongkrasin Tel: 0-2229-2892/ 2896 Email: [email protected] http://www.tsd.co.th