Bangkok, April 19, 2016 ? The SEC is seeking public comments on draft amendments to the rules governing public offering of newly issued shares to streamline the process and promote cost effectiveness for listed companies.

The new rule would benefit listed companies that comply with good corporate governance principles when they plan to conduct a PO, provided that certain stipulated conditions are met. These include the offer price being no less than 90 percent of the market price, and the objective not being to fund a large-scale project that requires the shareholders? prior approval.

In addition, the proposed rules (fast-track feature) would facilitate a faster PO launch because the SEC?s consideration period would be shortened to 14 days concurrently with the cooling period. They would also allow a waiver of the filing fee, and lift the requirement that a financial advisor participate in the preparation for the PO application and the registration statements.

In drafting the proposed amendments, the SEC took into consideration public comments and suggestions gathered from the previous hearing on the principles of the PO rules in October last year.

The consultation paper is available at www.sec.or.th. Stakeholders and interested parties are welcome to submit comments through the website, or facsimile at 0-2695-9796 or email: corporat@sec.or.th.

The public hearing ends on May 19, 2016