Stock Exchange Of Thailand: Bualuang Securities To Become A New Broker On May 7

The President of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Mr. Kittiratt Na-Ranong has announced that Bualuang Securities Co., Ltd will start providing services to investors as a licensed broker from Tuesday May 7, 2002, onwards, assuming SET Membership No.1, and using the code "BLS". Eleven sub-brokers have submitted applications for SET membership and Trinity Securities Co., Ltd. has already started operation as a licensed broker as of March 11.

"The addition of this new member brings the total number of brokerage houses that are SET member companies to twenty-eight. The other nine securities firms have already been approved to become SET members by all SET member companies. Most are now undertaking the preparation process regarding their trading systems, clearing and settlement, as well as other related work systems. We anticipate there will be more securities firms becoming full-fledged SET members by the middle of this month," Mr. Kittiratt said.

Bualuang Securities Co., Ltd. has 250 million baht's worth of registered capital. Their six largest shareholders, who hold a total stake of 94.27, comprise Bualuang Finance Co., Ltd, holding a 65% stake, Mr. Chong To holding a 10% stake, J.P. International Co., Ltd. holding a 8% stake, J.P. Morgan Securities (Thailand) Co., Ltd. holding a 4.12%, and Mr. Yansak Manomaipiboon holding a 2.15% stake.

The company holds five securities licenses to offer the following services: securities brokerage, securities trading, investment advisory, securities underwriting, and private fund management. It has 243 personnel at present, comprising of 122 marketing officers and 167 authorized officers (including authorized marketing officers), three securities analysts, and four compliance officers. It has seventeen branches, with seven in Bangkok and ten outside of Bangkok.

The headquarters of Bualuang Securities is located at 191 Silom Complex, 29th Floor, Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500. Tel: 0-2231-3777, Fax: 0-2231-3797, 0-2231-3951. The company's official website is at www.bualuang.co.th

The other nine securities firms undergoing the preparation process to becoming full-fledged SET members, they are: Finansa Securities Co., Ltd., CLSA Securities (Thailand) Ltd., Asset Plus Securities Co., Ltd., Credit Suisse First Boston Securities (Thailand) Ltd., HSBC Securities (Thailand) Ltd., Global Thai Securities Ltd., Barclays Capital Securities (Thailand) Ltd., Vajira Finance and Securities Ltd., and BTM Finance and Securities Ltd.