The theme of the exclusive investment event Thailand Focus 2011 will be “Enhancing Thailand’s Competitiveness through the Next Decade”, so that leading foreign institutional investors with presence in worldwide stock markets can obtain vital information directly from top executives from Thai state agencies and private companies. This information will enable them to more effectively see the potential of Thai listed firms and the Thai economy, thus boosting their confidence in Thailand. This Thailand Focus gathering, held this year on March 28-30, will also allow investors to ask top executives of leading listed companies about their 2010 earnings reports through seminars and one-on-one meetings.
“Thailand Focus is a prime opportunity for foreign investors to receive more information about the Thai economy, its strategies and Thailand’s competitive potential. At this event, overseas investors meet with major Thai firms that have constantly recorded strong performances and ask them about their latest earnings results. Selected sixty-five companies with a combined market capitalization of more than THB6 trillion (approx. USD193.54 billion), or 75.24% of total market capitalization (as of February 25, 2011) are expected to join the event”, revealed President Charamporn Jotikasthira of The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
“The target investors at this year’s event are not only prominent investors and analysts from the US, UK and Europe, but also from promising sources of funds, such as China, Singapore and Malaysia. The Lao Stock Exchange will join Thailand Focus 2011 and meet with foreign investors, marking strong collaboration among Indochina exchanges and investment potential in the region” said Mr. Charamporn.
This year’s event is jointly organized by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Phatra Securities PCL, and SET. Mr. Aphinant Klewpatinond, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Phatra Securities PCL, said that Phatra was honored to be trusted by SET to co-host Thailand Focus in 2011. He noted that the Thai capital market has been experiencing impressive growth during the past few years, with the market capitalization expanding, from THB3 trillion (approx. USD96.77 billion) in to THB8 trillion (approx. USD258.06 billion) in 2011. As a key player in jointly developing ASEAN into a unique asset class, he is confident that the Thai capital market will be quite attractive to international investors. However, Mr. Aphinant conceded that Thailand does have political and economic problems which are difficult for outsiders to understand and require in-depth explanation from those involved. Therefore, this year’s Thailand Focus event will focus on providing answers to all queries, as well as informing participants about Thailand’s strategic policies for sustainable growth.
“There is significant international interest in the Thai economic story. The twin drivers of strong growth and a positive story mean Thailand continues to gather pace. Thailand's continued growth augurs well for further interest and investment in the region. Growth, reform and investment have lifted Thailand’s competitiveness on both a regional and global basis. This is a multi-year story that will position the country as one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia. Bank of America Merrill Lynch is delighted to again participate in this event, in conjunction with The Stock Exchange of Thailand. We remains very committed to Thailand now and for the long-term,” revealed Mr. Asadej Kongsiri, Head of Thailand, Bank of America Merrill Lynch.