Speaking as association chairman, Prasert Bunsumpun, who is also president of PTT, yesterday said the association would focus on becoming an information centre for members and play a more active role in drafting and amending regulations.

It will also build up its administrative network and establish a team of consultants to advise members on accounting standards, regulations and good governance, as well as revamping its organisational structure.

"Our activities will not overlap with other associations, but we will keep in contact and support cooperation with them in the best interests of listed companies. Especially on accounting issues such as the plan by the Federation of Accounting Profession to introduce new standards this year. The association will have to obtain opinions from listed companies in order to come up with the best way to do this," Prasert said.

He added that the association had appointed five subcommittees in order to establish policy guidelines and monitor its performance. In addition, the association will provide support to small and medium-sized listed firms in implementing good risk-management practices.

The association's membership consists of 397 out of the 513 listed companies in the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Market of Alternative Investment.

Siriporn Chanjindamanee

The Nation