Thai shares closed 2.21 percent higher on Friday in line with the regional trend but escalating anti-government protests in the kingdom suppressed gains, dealers said. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index rose 9.81 points to close at 453.88 while the blue chip SET-50 index gained 7.66 points to 318.57.
Gainers overwhelmed losers 287 to 40, with 78 stocks unchanged on turnover of 1.80 billion shares worth 11.13 billion baht (314.59 million dollars). The Thai baht gained against the greenback to close at 35.35-38 baht from Thursdays 35.45-48 baht. It also strengthened against the euro to finish at 46.30-50 from 47.15-20 the previous day.
"The index rose in line with other markets in this region. It could have risen higher but concerns over the politics here suppressed the market," said Phupiphat-hirungul, vice president at Ayudhya Securities. The Thai index fell during the morning session but later rebounded. "Market sentiment was boosted as there was no violence at the protests today," Adisak added.
A mass anti-government rally spread to the Thai beach resort of Pattaya on Friday with demonstrators threatening to disrupt a summit of Asian leaders being held there. But the group called off protesters who had congregated at various sites in Bangkok later in the day, while Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has refused to bow to their demands that he step down and call fresh elections.
Thailands biggest lender Bangkok Bank rose 1.50 baht to close at 78.75. Kasikorn Bank edged up 0.25 to 50.25 while Siam Commercial Bank edged down 0.50 to 56.50. Top energy firm PTT Plc gained 4.50 to 165.50 while its subsidiary PTT Exploration and Production added 2.25 to 99.00. Coal miner Banpu advanced 4.00 to 221.00. Thai Airways edged up 0.45 to 9.75.
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