Bangkok--13 Nov--SET The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)’s Bond Electronic Exchange (BEX), in conjunction with related public and private organizations, will hold its seventh bond fair to familiarize people with its products. For those attending, there is the chance to gain an early-bird subscription to Ministry of Finance (MoF)’s savings bonds, experience virtual bond trading and learn the latest investment trends. The event is on November 17 from 09:00 — 17:00 hours at the SET Building and admission is free. Other agencies involved in Bonds for the People include Bank of Thailand, MoF’s Public Debt Management Office, and several commercial banks and securities firms. This, the final fair for the year, will help people learn how to use public and private bonds to manage their savings and investments more effectively. “Today, people expect more money management choices beyond simply relying on traditional savings. Bonds, which are comparatively secure and low-risk compared to some other financial instruments, are an interesting option. In addition, their income flow is steady. Bonds for the People offers participants investment tips on these products from professionals. “Currently, the total value of BEX-listed bonds is approximately THB 3.67 trillion (about USD 107.94 billion), with 90.55% being issued by government agencies and the remaining 9.45% issued by the private sector. Investors are made up of 50% retail, private enterprise and non-profit organizations, 23% commercial banks and 20% contractual savings institutions, such as Government Pension Fund, provident funds and Social Security Fund,” BEX Chief Executive Officer Dr. Santi Kiranan said. The event features bond workshops at 09:30 — 12:00 hours and 13:30 — 16:00 hours, and a seminar entitled: Investment and the economy on the go during the election at 10:00 — 12:00 hours. Seminar speakers will be Public Debt Management Office Director-General Mr. Pongpanu Svetarundra, Thai Banker’s Association Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Sirimas Watanachoti, Dr. Santi Kiranand from BEX, and Dr. Suvarn Valaisathien. The bond fair also gives people the convenience of opening bond-trading accounts with any of the 10 participating banks and securities firms, pre-booking savings bonds from MoF and receiving special gifts from BEX. To reserve a place at the seminar and/or workshop, please call SET Call Center 0-2229-2222 or BEX 0-2229-2788, email [email protected] or browse www.bex.or.th. People registering early for the seminar will receive a free DVD: Looking into the Savings-Protection Institution Act.