Bangkok--19 Sep--SET Both public and private sector executives warmly appreciated the invaluable investment advice and information available at Thailand Focus 2008, organized by CLSA Securities (Thailand ) Co.,Ltd. and The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), President Patareeya Benjapolchai of SET reported. The event, held during September 17-19, presented opportunities for investment in Thailand and its capital market. Participants, including those from 66 listed companies and 117 investment securities firms, heard detailed descriptions of the current investment climate, public policy directions, listed companies’ earnings and firms’ future plans. On the first day, acting Deputy Finance Minister Suchart Thadathamrongvej outlined his ministry’s capital market development policies, including plans to boost the number of institutional investors to stabilize the market. The government will invest THB 1.88 trillion from 2009 to 2012 in megaprojects which will, in turn, benefit private investment. Thailand’s fundamentals remain strong, Mr. Suchart noted. SET announced that, in Q2/2008, listed companies achieved more than 48% earnings growth and an interest coverage ratio improvement of 8.7, compared with 8.1 for the same period last year. This indicates that listed firms have increased capacity for debt repayment. The Exchange also revealed its plans to establish 12 matching funds - further evidence of its belief in the market’s strong fundamentals. Participants from 83 local and 34 foreign investment institutions were all positive about the Thai capital market. Once local and external pressures soften, foreign investment will surge, CLSA Managing Director Ariya Bunyarash added. Thailand has been through three crises. The current global turbulence cannot be controlled locally but Thai financial institutions remain strong, despite the political situation. Over the past three years, China and India have been overweighted by investors, while Thailand has been underweighted. In the near future, Thailand’s situation should improve vis-?-vis these other two countries, CLSA Head of Research Andrew Stotz said “SET devoted six months to preparing Thailand Focus 2008 and we are very happy to see that participants have benefited from the information provided and enjoyed the event,” SET Executive Vice President-Capital Market Opportunity Center Mr. Vichate Tantiwanich said. In regard to tourism, the sector plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable economic development in Thailand. This growing area, including the development of new markets and Greater Mekong Sub-regional linkages, offers vast investment opportunities, Minister of Tourism and Sports Weerasak Kowsurat noted. The current financial crisis will affect the internal flow of capital, cut international trade by up to 30% and reduce world economic growth by 1%. Regional trade integration will cushion the impact of these factors on Thailand. Local exporters must now find new markets, UNCTAD Secretary General Supachai Panitchpakdi explained. In conclusion, “Thailand Focus 2008 has provided investment institutions with full information on market conditions in the context of current economic and political challenges,” Ms. Patareeya said. For more information, please contact the Corporate Communications Dept.:Ladawan Kantawong Tel: 0-2229-2036 / Sarinluck Jitkawong Tel: 0-2229-2037 / Watsamon Saowakhonsathien Tel: 0-2229-2797