Bangkok--12 Sep--SET Thai Prime Minister H.E. Gen. Surayud Chulanont delivered the keynote address, “This Government's Legacy for Thailand”, in opening “Thailand Focus 2007” today. The conference involves 63 mai- and SET-listed companies together with 270 local and foreign institutions, far more than expected. ‘Thailand Focus 2007’ allows senior executives, managers and analysts from leading international funds and institutions to meet with top-level Thai policymakers and businessmen. Participants heard about the policy challenges facing Thailand's next government, and trends in the automotive, technology and communication, and digital animation sectors. A highlight of the event is that, for the first time, listed companies in six ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand) are represented. “We’ve received a very good response from institutions. Of the 270 participants, about 90 are from the U.S.A., Europe and Asia, who collectively manage USD 3 trillion (or about THB 105 trillion) in assets. Of these assets, about USD 8,600 million (or THB 300 billion) is invested in Thailand. Also participating are 180 fund managers who manage local equity, provident, long-term equity, and retirement mutual funds, controlling assets of around THB 400 billion. There are 63 Thai listed companies attending the event. These firms are from 15 sectors, having a combined market capitalization of THB 4.28 trillion (as of September 10), or 70% of the Thai stock market’s total capitalization. They will offer about 1,000 group presentations and one-on-one meetings during the three-day event. Sessions on September 12 included Outlook for Thailand’s Automotive Industry, a panel discussion, and Opportunities and Challenges for Tourism Development in ASEAN, where executives representing six ASEAN members spoke about the challenges and outlook of this industry. On September 13, there will be sessions in the morning including Policy Options of Future Government, Telecommunications: Future Directions, while the afternoon will feature Thailand’s Productivity and Competitiveness, and Thailand’s Animation Industry.