As of December 31, 2006, there were a total of 73 corporate listed bond issues worth THB281.69 billion, and another 19 government bond issues worth THB488.78 billion. With these 467 newly listed issues, the total number of government issues will be boosted to 486. During 2006, the BEX is expecting to list more government bonds.
The 467 new issues are comprised of 45 issues of MOF (Ministry of Finance) bonds worth THB685.29 billion, 50 issues of BOT (Bank of Thailand) bonds worth THB477.32 billion, and 372 issues of the SOE (state-owned enterprise) bonds worth THB548.33 billion.
During January 5 – 31, 2006, or 19 business days, there will be 25 new listed issues per day. The first 25 issues, which will commence trading on January 5, 2006, are comprised of 16 issues from the Ministry of Finance worth THB516.29 billion and 9 issues of the Bank of Thailand’s bonds worth THB82 billion.
“Having these bonds listed on the BEX will provide an opportunity for the holders of these bonds to conveniently trade them on the exchange. Other people who are interested in the government bonds can also invest by contacting their brokers. This will help boost the liquidity of government bonds,” Mr. Santi Kiranand Ph.D., CEO of the BEX said.
People interested in investing in any of the above bonds can contact SET member companies. The minimum trading lot is 100 units of bonds (with a par value of THB1,000 each), or THB100,000. All the bond information is available on the BEX website, www.bex.or.th Alternatively, they can contact the BEX at tel: 0 2229 2783-91.
