Bangkok--15 Feb--SET A recent news report claimed that counterfeit securities certificates have turned up in over-the-counter trading. It was also reported that some people asserted that they had sold rights held under the Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP) of listed companies without transferring the associated stock, because a silent period was in effect. However, when the silent period ended, the shareholders found that was still no stock transfer. Thailand Securities Depository Co., Ltd. (TSD) strongly advises investors to examine all documents relating to trading off-the-exchange, to check information carefully and to not simply accept another party’s claims, TSD Senior Vice President-Depository and Clearing Division Kongkeaw Piamduaytham said. Currently about 77% of all securities certificates are deposited in the scripless system of TSD, a subsidiary of The Stock Exchange of Thailand. The depository records shareholders’ data and handles communication regarding all rights and benefits gained from holding the securities. “The scripless system itself is secure and makes securities transfers quick and easy. Investors can trade securities without having to worry about lost, damaged or counterfeit certificates. Consequently, we recommend that investors use it, at no extra cost, by simply bringing share certificates to their broker’s office and requesting them to deposit these in the system. Alternatively, they can contact TSD. After that the deposit, investors receive a monthly report if trading is active or, if there is no trading, a report every six months. “Currently, a listed company’s directors and employees’ share subscription, a portion of which may be subject to a silent period, is held in the scripless system. With no papers involved, the scripless system has reduced the counterfeit certificate problem,” Ms. Kongkeaw added. People wishing to check information about their share certificates can contact TSD Counter Service, 1st floor, SET Building, Monday — Friday from 08:00 — 18:00 hrs. They can also call TSD Call Center on 0-2229-2888 or email [email protected] For more information, please contact TSD Business Relations Unit Ms. Chantanee Pongkrasin Tel: 0-2229-2896 Email: [email protected] http://www.tsd.co.th