SEC Secretary-General Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol said that SEC and the related agencies had discussed the COVID-19 situation and acknowledged limitations on the AGM holding of listed companies. The meeting concluded with primary suggestions as follows:   
            (1)  proxy voting: shareholders are advised to consider proxy voting through independent directors instead of in-person voting at the meeting. If the meeting’s notice has not been sent, listed companies are requested to inform shareholders to utilize this option. If it has already been sent, the message could be sent to the shareholders via email and publicly disclosed via the SET Information System;            

            (2)  preventive guidelines: At the board of directors’ meeting and the shareholders’ meeting, listed companies are instructed to comply with the Guidelines for Prevention and Control of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Case of Holding Meetings, Seminars or Other Activities of Similar Nature, issued by the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Public Health on 11 February 2020. The compliance should extend to other advice or directives to be announced in the future; and              

            (3)  electronic meeting: if listed companies intend to hold the shareholders’ meeting via electronic media, it is advisable to consider the use of reliable meeting control system in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society as well.

“We all understand the current situation and acknowledge the limitations imposed on listed companies. All related agencies stand ready to consider various options and will publish further guidelines in relevant matters for listed companies to adapt for handling the situation,” said Ms. Ruenvadee.

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