Thai Bev cancels share offering in Thailand

 In the statement to the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd, it said the public offering of 80 million shares has been cancelled.

 "As the conflict among the Thai people which ended on Dec 4 and the fact that we, Thai Bev, do not want to see any further possible conflict in the society," Thai Bev said.

 The 80 million shares belong to Siriwana Co Ltd, owned by Charoen Siriwadhanabhakdi who is the founder of Thai Bev.

 In 2006, Thai Bev cancelled its first listing attempt and instead sought a listing in Singapore. Last week, it launched the public offering, to sell the shares at Bt4.69 apiece.

Anti-drinking groups have threatened to stage a big protest if Thai Bev shares are traded in Thailand, citing that the "sin" business should not be allowed to raise public funds to finance their operations.