Bangkok--20 Jun--SET
Thailand Focus — Global Roadshow 2008, held during June 9 - June 13, in collaboration with Credit Suisse Securities (Thailand) Ltd., in Singapore, London and New York was a great success, The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) President Patareeya Benjapolchai said.
The tour included 14 leading listed companies, who briefed 111 investors from 85 foreign financial institutions. This year’s attendance was considerably larger than in past years.
“Foreign institutional investors demonstrated a keen interest in Thai listed companies, despite fluctuating world economic conditions. The information provided showed the Thai capital market’s strong fundamentals,” Ms. Patareeya said.
The recent roadshow was successful in that it allowed firms to meet institutional investors in different countries in both one-on-one and group meetings. Foreign investors focused on our company’s profile and its future potential, without much discussion of current economic conditions in Thailand, Thai Tap Water Supply PCL Managing Director Sompodh Sripoom said.
Our firm’s presentation during the roadshow gave foreign investors confidence in Thailand despite global economic conditions. Some investors, who had decided to delay their investment plans, had a change of heart after receiving updated information. Most agreed that Thailand remains a leading investment destination, Ticon Industrial Connection PCL Managing Director Virapan Pulges stated.
Mrs. Varaporn vatcharanunkroh Company Secretary of Amata Corporation PCL said it was satisfied with the response it received at its full-day meetings in each country. Strong interest from participants has assured them that the firm remains attractive to existing and new investors.
Participating companies represented five key industrial groups that show strong growth potential, with combined market capitalization of THB758.4 billion (approx. US$22.77 billion) or 11 per cent of the total market cap (as of May 26, 2008). Firms included Minor International PCL, Thai Union Frozen Products PCL (Agro & Food Industry), Bangkok Bank PCL , Aeon Thana Sinsap (Thailand) PCL (Financials), Central Pattana PCL, Amata Corporation PCL, Ticon Industrial Connection PCL (Property & Construction), Thai Tap Water Supply PCL , Asian Insulators PCL (Resources), PTT Chemical PCL (Industrials) Cp All PCL , Thai Airways International PCL . Precious Shipping PCL (Services) and The Erawan Group PCL.
Foreign investors showed keen interest in aspects of the Thai capital market, such as growth rate, the number of newly-listed companies and new products. SET’s demutualization plan was also discussed, as were the political situation, the effects of the world economy on Thailand, rising oil and rice prices and Thailand’s export situation.