Latest batch of savings bonds on sale

The bonds, with a return of 4 per cent, are part of the Bt6-billion series the government plans to issue every month, from last October to this September.

The Finance Ministry hopes the bonds will encourage savings among the public.

The minimum purchase is Bt10,000 and the maximum is Bt500,000 per customer. Holders will receive interest twice a year.

Only individual Thai investors as well as foundations are allowed to subscribe to the savings bonds, which can be transferred to other investors one year after the issuance date.

The Finance Ministry announces the interest rate two days ahead of the first date of each bond issuance. It will rely on the average three-year government bond yield five days ahead of the rate announcement day plus a margin of not more than 15 per cent of the interest rate.