Bangkok--Jun 30--Scotiabank The Bank of Nova Scotia, or Scotiabank as it is widely kknown is Canada's most international bank with 38,000 employees in 1,650 branches and offices in over 50 countries worldwide. The Bank has extensive operations in 12 countries in the Asia Pacific Region. Scotiabank opened a representative office in Thailand in 1980. In February 1994 this unit was upgraded to a restricted licensed branch under Bangkok International Banking Facility (BIBF). The Bank's Provincial International Banking Facility (PIBF) in Sriracha, Chonburi province was established as the bank's second office in Thailand in 1995. The opening of the new Bangkok Branch will not only expand the range of services offered to Scotiabank customers in Thailand but also support business and the flows of trade between Thailand and Canada. It is also proof positive of the Bank's strong confidence in the Thai economy in the long term. The bank is proud to be the first Canadian bank with full service in Thailand. The Bangkok Branch will emphasize quality services and competitive products for communities in Thailand. The customers will benefit from our global branch network and our variety of products and services. Scotiabank will help support the Thai financial market, Thai economy, Thai businessmen and the Canadian business community in Thailand. As of April 1998 Scotibank had capital funds in excess of Canadian $15.6 billion and assets of Canadian $211.9 billion. It is ranked among the top 100 largest banks in the world. Scotiabank Bangkok, located in ploenchit Tower on Ploenchit Road, will provide a full range of personal and corporate banking products and services. The opening ceremony, which will commence at 9:15 a.m. on July 2, 1998, will be presided over by Khun Tanya Sirivedhin - Deputy Governor, Bank of Thailand and Ministry of Finance officials as well as the Ambassador of Canada. End.