Thai share prices are set to continue rising next week as investors expect a healthy report on the country's economic growth, dealers said Friday. "The market is likely to carry on its positive momentum next week. Investors are expecting good news about the GDP growth report on May 26," said Kavee Chukitkasem, assistant managing director at Kasikorn Securities.
Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Board will announce the country's gross domestic product for the first three months of 2008 on Monday. The government has previously said it expects Thailand's economy to grow at 6.0 percent in the first quarter.
On Wednesday, the central bank left its key interest rates unchanged at 3.25 percent, but said it would keep an eye on inflationary pressures from soaring oil and food prices. Inflation for April was 6.2 percent, up from the 5.0 percent average for the first quarter.
"Oil prices, which are expected to continue rising, will also drive up the bourse," Kavee said. Kavee said, however, that investors continued to worry about political stability after an anti-government rally was announced for Sunday.
"We do not know what may happen at the rally on Sunday," he said. For the week to May 23, the Stock Exchange of Thailand composite index rose 0.6 percent or 5.26 points to close at 875.59. Kavee said the market could move up to the level of 900 points next week.