Sopawadee said the automated system would boost accuracy, creditability, speed, cost reduction and efficiency.

The TSD, which is a register of the country's listed companies, will focus on adding value for its customers, and in particular a data base of listed companies in order to boost "shareholders' value".

The data base will also help listed firms create good relationships with their shareholders - effectively, letting shareholders understand what it is like to be customers of listed companies. Part of this will be a segmentation of listed companies according to goods and services.

The agency will also focus on promoting its own corporate identity, to make it better known and understood among investors and customers.

Sopawadee said that despite its crucial role in restoring investor confidence and risk management in the equity market, the TSD is still known only to a limited group of people.

The agency will also perform as a clearing house - or "back office" - for brokerage members of the Thailand Futures Exchange, which opened in April.

In order to achieve that task, Sopawadee said the TSD would focus on human resources and personal development and support its staff in achieving their full potential.

"The TSD aims to be a learning organisation, in which our staff continually increase their potential," she said.

Siriporn Chanjindamanee

The Nation