Mr. Kanit Sukonthaman (center), President of Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Thailand), presided over the inauguration of EXIM Thailand’s mobile training program for SMEs “Learning…Before Exporting” held at CMU Convention Hall, Chiang Mai University on February 1, 2012. This program aims to give basic essential knowledge about export for SMEs business owners in Chiang Mai and other provinces.

The Thailand Futures Exchange plc (TFEX), under The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) group, launches monthly broker ranking report to announce top active derivatives brokers which have the most client trading volumes by markets, which are equities, precious metal, and energy.
In January, Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) pcl ranked the top active derivatives broker of equities, MTS Gold Futures Co., Ltd. was the most active precious metal broker and the top active energy broker went to Phatra Securities pcl.
“TFEX has provided a wide range of products to cover equities, precious metal and energy. Each product needs specific skills of trading; thus, the monthly broker ranking report should be useful for investors,” said TFEX Managing Director Kesara Manchusree.
The top five active trading brokers in equities products, covering SET50 futures, Stock Futures, and SET50 Options, are (in descending order) Maybank Kim Eng Securities pcl, Finansia Syrus Securities pcl, KT Zmico Securities Co., Ltd., Globlex Securities Co., Ltd., and UOB Kayhian Securities (Thailand) pcl.
For precious metal, consisting of gold and silver futures, the top five active trading brokers are (in descending order) MTS Gold Futures Co., Ltd., YLG Bullion & Futures Co., Ltd., Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) pcl, Hua Seng Heng Gold Futures Co., Ltd., and Ausiris Futures Co., Ltd.
The top five list of most active trading brokers in energy, which is oil futures, are (in descending order) Phatra Securities pcl, Globlex Securities Co., Ltd., UOB Kayhian Securities (Thailand) pcl, Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) pcl, and Thanachart Securities pcl.
For more information, please visit www.tfex.co.th or call S-E-T Call Center 0 2229 2222

Bangkok Bank Executive Chairman Kosit Panpiemras (sitting, middle) presided over the ‘Recovery for the Orchid Business after the Floods’ seminar which the bank held for its Modern Agriculture customers. The seminar is the first activity in the Lag Pliend Rean Roo (Share & Learn) project. Bangkok Bank Advisor Dr. Rungruang Isarangkul Na Ayutthaya (sitting, 4th from left), Inspector General for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Olan Pita (sitting, 4th from right) and seminar attendees shared information and knowledge about ways to recover the orchid businesses affected by floodwaters in the last quarter of 2011. The seminar also covered prevention and protection from factors that may affect the orchid industry. Farmers and business owners in attendance agreed to form an alliance and set up an orchid supply chain which will help strengthen businesses while providing better management systems. Eighty customers of the Modern Agriculture project from four groups – cut-flower orchids, orchid plants and flowers, tissue culture, and exporters, expressed interest in joining the supply chain.

Minister of Energy to open 2011 International Petroleum Technology Conference (2011 IPTC), with PTTEP as the official host organization and principal sponsor
H.E. Mr. Arak Chonlathanont, Minister of Energy is to open the 2011 International Petroleum Technology Conference (2011 IPTC), hosted by PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), Thailand’s petroleum exploration and production company. This is the first time that the event will be held in Thailand. The venue is the Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World and more than 3,000 people from the worldwide oil and gas industry are expected to attend.
The 2011 IPTC is a collaborative effort among PTTEP and 4 main petroleum associations: The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), The European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The 5th International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC), has been organized under the theme of “Technology and Operational Excellence: Keys to Sustainable Global Energy”.More than 300 papers from over 400 organizations in 57 countries will be presented, along with interesting exhibitions from PTT Group and other leading global oil and gas companies.
Mr. Anon Sirisaengtaksin (นายอนนต์ สิริแสงทักษิณ), President and CEO of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited or PTTEP said that PTTEP is proud to be the official host organization for this important and prestigious event. He said it illustrates not only PTT Group’s potential in the global petroleum business, but also shows that Thailand serves as a regional hub for the exploration and production business in Southeast Asia.
The 5th IPTC in Bangkok brings the opportunity for petroleum organizations to discuss and share knowledge, experience, technology and innovation with each other. Besides, it provides great opportunities for Thai secondary and university students for exposure and understanding to the oil and gas industry, which could very well open career opportunities to them as well.
Again, the 2011 IPTC will be taken place from 7 — 9 February 2012 at the Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World, Bangkok, Thailand.
7 February 2012. For more information, please contact Corporate Communication and Reputation Management Department
Bussaban Cheencharoen Tel. +66 (0) 2537 4607 E-mail: bussaban@pttep.com
Tongchit Pongorapin Tel. +66 (0) 2537 4587 E-mail: tongchitp@pttep.com
Vanduan Vijintanasarn Tel. +66 (0) 2537 5418 E-mail: vanduanv@pttep.com

Siam Commercial Bank is pleased to present a Mercedes-Benz C200 worth over 2 million baht and two 10-baht weight gold bars to lucky housing loan clients participating in its “Get a Home Loan, Win a Mecedes-Benz and Gold” campaign. SCB Executive Vice President and Head of the Mortgage Business Division Pikun Srimahunt is seen awarding the prizes, with Sansiri Senior Executive Vice President — Business Development and Project Development Division (Low Rise) Metha Angwatanapanich witnessing the prize presentation and congratulating the lucky winners. SCB housing loan clients still have a chance to win prizes under the campaign from now until March 31, 2012. For further information, please contact the SCB Call Center at 02-777-7777.

– Daily average trading volume up 12.74 pct month-on-month to USD 796 mln,
– Market cap at THB 8.89 trillion, up 5.75 pct from end-2011
– Derivatives trading down 6.13 pct month-on-month at 28,104 contracts per day

The Stock Exchange of Thailand’s (SET) securities trading volume in January rose 12.74 percent from the previous month, but down 31.48 percent from a year earlier. The increase was supported by easing monetary policy of the United States and the faster-than-expected Thai economic recovery after the floods.
Foreign investors were net buyers of Thai shares in January as the downward trend of global interest rates and China’s better-than-expected economic growth boosted fund inflows and revived investment sentimentCombined average daily trading volume of the SET and the Market for Alternative Investment (mai) was at THB 24.67 billion (approx. USD 796 million), while daily trading volume of derivatives was down 6.13 percent from a month ago at 28,104 contracts per day, with oil futures trading rising to 383 contracts per day, the highest since it launched.

Key highlights for January

Securities
– Market capitalization was at THB 8.89 trillion (USD 286.81 billion), up 5.75 percent from the end of 2011, and market valuation of the mai was at THB 85.29 billion (USD 2.75 billion), up 10.33 percent.
– The SET Index rose 5.72 percent in January to 1,083.97 points, in line with moves of other regional markets.
– Forward P/E ratio for the SET was at 11.42 times, down slightly from 11.46 a year ago and from 12.37 at the end of last year, while mai’s forward P/E ratio increased to 10.33 times from 9.50 a year ago and 9.40 at the end of 2011.
– Dividend yield of the SET was at 3.91 percent at the end of January, making it Asia’s second highest (after Taiwan). It was up from 3.82 percent a year earlier, and mai’s dividend yield was at 2.22 percent.
– Foreign investors were net buyers, purchasing Thai shares worth a net USD 97 million in January. They accounted for 24.46 percent of the total trading volume, the highest level over the last eleven months.
– Listed companies raised funds through equity worth a combined THB 367 million in January.
Derivatives
– Derivatives trading volume dropped 6.13 percent from a month earlier to an average of 28,104 contracts per day, due mainly to falling trading of SET50 Index futures and single stock futures.
– Average daily trading of 50-baht gold futures and 10-baht gold futures increased from a month ago to 4,807 contracts and 9,571 contracts, respectively, while oil futures, which started trading in October, reached a daily average trading volume of 383 contracts, the highest since it launched.

For more information, please visit www.set.or.th or S-E-T call center 0 2229 2222

Visa drives national campaign to encourage debit usage achieve national electronification goals
Visa Makes Debit More Rewarding for Thai Consumers: Somboon Krobteeranon, Country Manager, Thailand, Visa launched the Visa Debit Reward 2012 campaign, aimed at encouraging Thais to switch from cash to debit. Together with 8 banks, Visa has introduced a new series of benefit from five leading Thai retailers, and 8 banks in Thailand.
Following the success of last year’s Visa Debit Rewards program, Visa has launched a brand new series of benefits from five leading Thai retailers to reward local Visa Debit cardholders.
This campaign strengthens the Bank of Thailand’s objectives of reducing cash usage in business sectors with high volumes of cash payment and to promote electronic payment as an alternative to cash.
Somboon Krobteeranon, Country Manager, Thailand, Visa said: This is another example of Visa’s commitment to the people and economy of Thailand. With Visa Debit, consumers can now take full advantage of their card and be rewarded in the process. The Visa Debit Rewards 2012 campaign is also Visa’s way of supporting the national electronic payment system roadmap while educating consumers on the versatility, convenience and security of Visa Debit.”
The Debit Rewards program boasts some of Thailand’s leading retailers including Big-C Supercenters, Robinson Department Stores, DTAC, Watsons, and Swensens. The strength of the partnership shows how many businesses have embraced Debit cards, and are pulling together for the country.
“For the past 12 years, Visa has been actively driving a consumer awareness program with the aim of activating Visa Debit at the point-of-sale. The electronification of payments is good for consumers and good for Thailand. Debit cards are the smart alternative to costly and clumsy cash. Cash simply fails to offer consumers the greater convenience, security and the efficient way to manage their money that Debit provides.” Krobteeranon added.
Visa Debit cardholders can enjoy a range of rewards simply by using their Visa Debit cards at these merchants from now till September 2012. The promotions include:

Visa Debit rewards [1]at five major merchants in Thailand

Big C ? Everyday Pay Save : Spend THB 800 or more on a single receipt and get a coupon for two free donuts with every THB 99 purchase at Mister Donut

? 7 Days Shock : Every 1st to the 7th of each month, spend THB 800 or more on a single receipt and receive a THB 20 gift voucher

Robinsons ? Everyday – Spend THB 2,500 and get a THB 100 discount

? Saturdays and Sundays: Spend THB 2,500 or more on a single receipt and get a THB 100 gift voucher

DTAC ? Spend THB 500 or more on a single bill and get a THB 20 voucher which can be used on the next phone bill

Watsons ? Spend THB 500 or more on a single receipt and get a two THB 20 vouchers

Swensens ? Spend THB 300 or more on a single receipt and get a THB 30 voucher

Complimentary vouchers valid for next purchases made with a Visa Debit card. Terms and conditions apply

Visa Debit offers consumers convenience, monthly transaction information to help with personal financial management and peace-of-mind with Visa’s Zero Liability[1] protection against unauthorized transactions. For retailers, accepting Visa Debit cards opens up new channels of payment while issuing banks can take advantage of Visa Debit to offer their customers wider acceptance, recognition and reliability through the Visa brand.”
Complementing the rewards program will be a series of road shows to help consumers learn about the benefits of Visa Debit cards, including better financial management and Visa Debit acceptance.

For further media information, please contact:
Waruch-on Manomairat or Varadee Vasavananda
Spark Communications
Tel: 02 653 2717-9
Email: yim@spark.co.th or cherry@spark.co.th

[1] The cardholder must notify his financial institution immediately of any unauthorized use. For specific restrictions, limitations and other details, please consult your issuer.

HSBC Thailand has been awarded a USD7 billion mandate to provide fund accounting and administration, global and local custody services to the Public Debt Restructuring and Domestic Bond Market Development Fund (PDDF), a Fund established under the Public Debt Management Act as a state entity under Ministry of Finance.

With enriched custody experience and global footprint, HSBC Securities Services is well positioned to provide end-to-end securities services, comprehensive compliance monitoring service, and onshore and offshore the Straight Through Processing (STP) to the government sector. With more than 100 years of experience and one of the largest securities services network in the world, HSBC Securities Services was a natural choice.

Photo shows Mr. Matthew Lobner (2nd left), Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Thailand; Mr. Chakkrit Parapuntakul (Centre), Director General of the Public Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance; attended a global custodian agreement signing ceremony, witnessed by Ms. Janatip Bhokavanij (2nd right), Senior Vice President, Financial Institutions Group, HSBC Thailand; Mrs. Utumporn Viranuvatti, Head of HSBC Securities Services, HSBC Thailand; and Mr. Nattakarn Boonsri, Director of Fund Management and Bond Market Infrastructure Development Division, Bond Market Development Bureau, the Public Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance.

Moody’s Investors Service says that while it expects a benign credit environment for Asia Pacific banks in 2012, there are still potential hazards that could develop into material adverse shocks for particular systems.
“These are not our central scenario, but what we consider as “tail risks”, or low-probability, but potentially high-impact events that warrant close monitoring over the coming 12 months,” says Stephen Long, a Moody’s Managing Director for the Financial Institutions Group in Asia Pacific.
The report lists and discusses five downside risk scenarios that Moody’s views as increasingly disturbing.
These include: (1) contagion risk from Europe’s sovereign crisis; (2) the possibility of a hard landing for the Chinese economy; (3) the bursting of real estate bubbles in Asia; (4) a downturn in commodity prices; and (5) a downturn in the Australian property market.
Regarding contagion risk, Moody’s believes that the banking systems in Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Vietnam are the most vulnerable to financial and economic shocks from a euro area crisis.
While another downside scenario is the risk of a China hard-landing, a somewhat comforting conclusion from Moody’s stress test is that the profitability, loss reserves, and capital positions of Chinese banks still provide a strong cushion.
The report also says that a substantial downturn in real estate prices in Asia would only have a limited impact on the region’s banking systems in general.
In addition, Moody’s expects the credit impact of a commodity price downturn to vary across the region, with potential distress concentrated in net commodity exporters, but also a risk among midstream processors.
Finally, a downturn in the Australian property market is another single-economy tail risk identified in the analysis. However, Moody’s notes that Australian banks are protected against the direct impact of falling house prices by their low loan-to-value ratios, and the use of mortgage insurance.
The report is titled “Asia Pacific Banks: Five Risk Scenarios for 2012.”
It can be accessed on www.moodys.com.

Moody’s Investors Service says that its Asian Liquidity Stress Index (LSI) rose in January with 12.5% of its rated speculative-grade portfolio demonstrating inadequate liquidity compared with 9.3% in December, and a historical low of 9.0% in November.
“Unlike previous months, where the change was due to the withdrawal of ratings, the deterioration in January was largely the result of weakening liquidity profiles, particularly of Chinese corporates and more specifically of Chinese property developers,” says Laura Acres, a Moody’s Vice President and Senior Credit Officer. “Furthermore, the increase to 12.5% is the largest month-on-month deterioration since Oct-Dec 2008.”
“Nevertheless, the index remains generally far below the 37% high recorded in Oct-Dec 2008 and is broadly in line with Jan-Mar 2011,” adds Acres. “Overall, the number of issuers in the SGL-4 category rose to 12 in January from nine in December.”
The Asian LSI measures the percentage of companies with the lowest speculative-grade liquidity rating (SGL-4), and increases when corporate liquidity appears to deteriorate.
“In addition, the ratio of downgrades to upgrades shows the peak of the credit cycle has passed. In the second half of 2011, there were more downgrades than upgrades. We are also seeing a very clear negative bias: in January, eight companies had outlook changes, and of these, six were negative, and one was put on review for downgrade,” says Acres.
Looking ahead, markets in Asia will remain choppy and deals are still being delayed and pulled as the result of concerns over European sovereigns, while a more general economic slowdown in recent months is making investors nervous.
At the same time, January also saw the launch of a US$ bond by an Indonesian utility, Cikarang Listrindo, reinforcing our assertion that the markets could only be reopened by a higher-rated, existing issuer.
But, it remains to be seen whether this will be sufficient to break the deadlock and reopen the floodgates to new issuers coming to the markets.
The amount of high-yield debt rated by Moody’s in Asia fell in January to$40.1 billion from $47.8 billion in December, reflecting the move by two Indonesian Government Related Issuers (GRIs) to investment-grade after the upgrade of the sovereign to Baa3 from Ba1. The two accounted for $5.5 billion and $1.5 billion of this decline, respectively.
The net number of issuers fell in January to 96 from 97 at the end of December.
The monthly index looks at looks at liquidity trends throughout the Asia-Pacific region (excluding Japan and Australia) for the speculative-grade companies Moody’s rates, and quantifies the proportion of companies with inadequate liquidity.
The report is entitled Moody’s Asia Liquidity Stress Index. It can be found at www.moodys.com