Thai share prices closed 0.54 percent lower on Tuesday after negative news from European markets erased morning gains, dealers said. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index lost 2.29 points to close at 422.32 points, while the blue chip SET-50 index lost 2.49 points to 292.94. Gainers outnumbered losers 149 to 136 and 126 stocks were unchanged with 2.0 billion shares worth 8.4 billion baht (234.6 million dollars) traded.
The Thai baht strengthened slightly against the dollar to finish at 35.80-82 compared to Mondays close of 35.84-85. Against the euro the baht fell to 46.48-52 baht compared to the previous day at 46.41-49. "In afternoon trading our market was affected by the bad news from European markets, although it gained in early trading in line with regional markets," said Mayuree Chowvikran of Kim Eng Securities.
Thailands top energy firm PTT Plc dropped 2.00 baht to close at 147.00 and its subsidiary PTT Exploration and Production fell 1.50 baht to 94.00 baht. Coal producer Banpu slipped 4.00 baht to 204.00 baht and Siam Cement was down 0.50 baht at 95.00 baht. The kingdoms biggest lender, Bangkok Bank, shed 1.50 baht to close at 75.50 baht while Kasikorn Bank fell 0.75 baht to 42.50.