Thai share prices closed 0.13 percent higher on Wednesday, after a second straight day of speculative purchases in response to oil prices falling below 60 dollars a barrel, dealers said. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index rose 0.88 points to close at 685.56 and the blue-chip SET 50 index was up 0.70 points at 479.45.
Losers led gainers 145 to 125 and 123 stocks were unchanged on turnover of 1.5 billion shares worth 13.0 billion baht (319.07 million dollars).
Sukri Nitithammart from Adkinson Securities said the market responded to news of oil prices dropping by two dollars as investors bought speculative shares.
"Investors have become more confident after the good news over oil prices," he said.
However, despite quick profit-taking in afternoon trade, the market closed higher.
Major indices closed mixed, communication rose 0.97 percent to 98.62, transportation added 0.21 percent to 130.36 but finance and securities fell 0.73 percent to 1,167.95 and energy shed 0.06 percent to 13,736.20.
Siam Commercial Bank edged up 0.25 baht to 47.75 but Bangkok Bank and Kasikornbank both closed unchanged at 103.00 and 55.50 respectively.
PTT Plc and PTT Exploration and Production were unchanged at 224.00 and 386.00 respectively.
Siam Cement dropped 2.00 at 228.00 but Thai Airways International gained 0.25 to 41.00. Advanced Info Service closed 1.00 higher at 98.00 but United Communication shed 0.50 to 46.75.