Thai share prices are likely to rise this week as foreign investors return to the market after the New Year holiday amid growing optimism over the kingdom's economy, analysts said.
"There is strong demand for Thai shares among foreign investors. They will return to the market with bullish sentiment amid expectations for economic growth" in Thailand, said Kanang Duangmanee, an economist at Kasikorn Research Center.
For the week ending December 30, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index rose 14.78 points or 2.1 percent to close at 713.73.
Kanang forecast the SET index would increase to the 720-point level this week. Financial markets in Bangkok will be closed on Monday due to a New Year holiday.
In November, inflation eased to 5.9 percent after hitting a seven-year high of 6.2 percent in October.