Bangkok--2 Oct--SET Thailand’s Finance Minister expressed his faith in the Thai capital market’s durability and will support development strategies to bolster investor confidence. In a similar vein, The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) announced a series of investor confidence-boosting measures. “Having heard the report on The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)’s operations, I am confident that the Thai capital market’s development plans will move it towards becoming a key fund-raising center for business and a vital savings center for the public,” Minister of Finance Suchart Thadathamrongvech said. In times of volatility, SET’s information dissemination programs and its efficient operating system bolster the confidence of local and foreign investors, Mr. Suchart added. “The Ministry of Finance must provide both short- and long-term measures to reinforce confidence in the capital market and the local economy, especially given the pressures emanating from the global financial crisis. My ministry will help expand the number of institutional investors and support the Exchange’s matching funds. Government taxation initiatives, such as the Long Term Equity Fund (LTF) and Retirement Mutual Fund (RMF) provisions for investors over October-December 2008, will benefit both the capital market and the public, who, as a result, will find themselves with more cash in their pockets,” Mr. Suchart stated. The Minister of Finance also agreed to chair the Capital Market Development Committee, which advocates the long-term development of the market as a key driver of the economy. In addition, he noted that the ministry will promote the bond and the derivatives markets in broadening the choices available to investors. Although the SET index has fallen by 28% since the beginning of 2008, local stock trade is consistent with that of regional markets. Although the market still experiences significant fluctuation, its basic infrastructure and operating systems are stable and capable of handling any situation, SET Chairman Pakorn Malakul Na Ayudhya noted. “To boost investor confidence in the current financial crisis, the Exchange’s suggestion that listed companies buy back their shares has been well-received and implemented. Furthermore, SET has introduced matching funds with a total of THB 8.25 billion (approx. USD 242.64 million), organized events to update local and foreign investors, promoted fund investment and joined with the Association of Investment Management Companies, Securities Analysts Association (SAA) and related agencies in ensuring crucial information dissemination to investors,” Mr. Pakorn said. In addition, from October 6, the Exchange’s new Investor Line will inform investors about the Thai market. This initiative allows people to talk with SAA analysts directly, on tel. 0 2654 5351-2, during the Trading Hour program, which is broadcast daily on Money Channel (True Visions 80) from 10:00 to 11:00 hours. SET will also hold the Mutual Fund Fair, under the “FIT” theme, to help investors deal with the present economic turmoil and promote LTF and RMF investment. The event will feature leading fund managers meeting with investors during October 11-12 from 09:00 - 17:00 hours at the SET building. Other investment promotion campaigns are also targeted at LTF and RMF investors. In November, the annual SET in the City will be at Siam Paragon department complex, Bangkok, and will update investors on the capital market. Listed firms’ representatives and other investment specialists will share information and insights on this year and the next. 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