Thai share prices closed 0.90 percent lower on Monday on profit-taking in big-cap shares as investors expressed concern over a domestic oil price hike, dealers said. BFIT Securities analyst Ekpittaya Aimkongeak said the trade volume was the lowest since December 24, with investors booking profits because of fears about the expected removal of the government's diesel subsidy. "The negative factor affecting the market was the concern that diesel prices will be increased," he said.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index lost 6.37 points to close at 705.03 while the blue chip SET 50 index was down 0.48 points at 49.23.
Losers led gainers 246 to 65 with 91 stocks unchanged on trade of 3.3 billion shares worth 12.2 billion baht (316.9 million dollars).
The banking sector index dropped 1.44 percent to 242.16 and energy shares lost 1.05 percent at 12,711.99. Transportation shed 0.54 percent at 146.68.
Capital Nomura Securities fell 1.50 baht at 64.50 while AOENTS Thana Sinsap added 0.25 baht at 40.25.
Bangkok Bank closed two baht lower at 103.00, while Kasikornbank was down 1.50 baht at 53.00 and Siam Commercial Bank lost 0.50 baht at 49.75.
PTT Exploration and Production rose 4.00 baht at 316.00 but its parent company PTT dropped 4.00 baht at 204.00.
Siam City Cement added six baht at 288.00.
Thai Airways International was down 0.50 baht to close at 47.75, Advanced Info Service shed 1.00 baht at 103.00 baht, while United Communication edged down 0.50 baht at 58.00.