Thailand's economic fundamentals confirmed strong

BANGKOK, August 25 (TNA) - Newly-appointed Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong has stressed that Thailand's economic fundamentals remain strong. Apisak told journalists on Tuesday that strong national economic fundamentals have encouraged investors to buy stocks listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) despite a plung of stock indices globally on August 24, triggered by signs of an economic slowdown in the immense Chinese economy and the US Federal Reserve (FED) to possibly raise its key interest rate soon. Apirak made the comments, following a fall of the SET index by 4.73 per cent, or 64.55 points, to close at 1,301.06 points on August 24. SET President Kesara Manchusree pointed out, meanwhile, that international investors still hold about 32 per cent of Thai stocks, equivalent to one-thirds of shares having been bought on the Thai bourse. According to the SET president, Monday's drop of the SET index provides a good opportunity for would-be investors to invest on the Thai stock market, while those having already invested could consider on long-term investment because several listed firms on the Thai bourse have paid dividends at more than 5 per cent. (TNA)