Bangkok, March 17, 2015 ?  The SEC, the Institute of Directors Association (IOD), the Federation of Accounting Professions under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King (FAP), the Thai Listed Companies Association (TLCA), the Association of Investment Management Companies (AIMC), the Government Pension Fund (GPF) and the Thai Investors Association (TIA) jointly promote the right protection volunteer roles in exercising voting rights effectively and in accordance with good corporate governance principles in the 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of listed firms.

In 2015, TIA agrees with the criteria set by institutional investors; for instance, GPF and AIMC that TIA will exercise dissenting votes in the significant agenda; for instance, the agenda proposed in the meeting or having auditor?s qualified opinion as well as appointment of independent directors who have already been appointed for more than 3 terms or 9 years. Besides, progress on anti-corruption policy will also be monitored for the 2nd year (continued from 2014).

Vorapol Socatiyanurak, SEC Secretary-General said that ?Every year, listed companies must organize the Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 120 days as from the end of accounting period. As 31st December was determined by 90% of listed companies as the end of their accounting period, AGM will thus be held by 30th April each year. This year marks the 10th anniversary of AGM quality assessment while the capital market has grown both in term of trading volume, a number of listed companies along with the introduction of new financial instruments and complexity of management strategies. Assessment criteria must therefore be adjusted in response to the changing environment and be able to protect the rights of retail investors.

The SEC is pleased to witness the cooperation between institutional investors and the right protection volunteers as the representatives of retail investors and more active roles of institutional investors. Moreover, collaboration among various groups of investors as Collective Engagement is in line with international practices, all of which will enhance the listed companies? corporate governance to be even more internationally accepted.

Since 2006, the SEC has initiated the AGM quality assessment project where TIA has played important roles as representative of minority shareholders. The ?right protection volunteer? project has thus become a key function supporting the assessment of AGM quality. In the past years, the project members have performed their duties very well and helped raise awareness among major shareholders and the corporate management to realize their own roles and emphasize on shareholders? rights.?

Pliu Mangkornkanok, IOD Vice Chairman said that ?The demonstration of a clear stance in voting and asking queries on CG and anti- corruption issues by the Thai Investors Association does not only lift up the quality of AGM at Thai listed firms to match domestic and international standards, it also raise awareness of shareholders in protecting their own rights and at the same time promoting good governance. Moreover, the move also urges the board of directors to emphasize on efficiency under the CG principle and encourage constant compliance of anti-corruption practices. These efforts will lead to overall CG development and enhance business sustainability."

Prasan Chuaphanich, FAP President said that ?Financial information is a key factor signifying companies? health, while professional integrity will serve the society with accurate information.?

Prateep Tangmatitham, TLCA Vice Chairman said that ?On behalf of listed companies, we are very pleased for shareholders to attend the AGMs as if we had pre-appointment annually in accordance with the specified rules and regulations applicable to the companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.  TLCA does realize that it will be beneficial to listed companies. I trust that the executives of all listed companies are pleased to cooperate and welcome all shareholders.?

Voravan Tarapoom, Chairpersons of FETCO Board of Director and AIMC said that ?Apart from professionalism, asset management companies adhere to corporate governance principles as a factor for consideration on investment of the funds. We believe that shareholders will obtain stable and sustain investment return from businesses that have high standard of corporate governance and act as good corporate citizen of our society.?

Sombat Narawutthichai, GPF Secretary General said that ?GPF takes cautious approach and considers all aspects in making investments. Other than investment return for members, GPF places high attention on corporate governance aspect.?

Mongkol Leelatham, TIA Chairman said that ?AGM provides the opportunity for shareholders to meet with the company?s management and learn of the performance of the companies in which they invest.  In addition, shareholders will be able to ask questions as business partners.  TIA is also the shareholders of every listed company and exercise its rights by giving proxy to the right protection volunteers to attend the meeting and assess the quality under the criteria known to all listed firms.?