Thailand, Bangkok: On March 23 Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra refused to become embroiled in the dispute over the flotation of Beer Chang on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), saying that it was a matter for the SET and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to resolve, according to MCOT Public Company.

Speaking in response to the intense public opposition to the listing, which many people say will serve to strengthen Thailand’s alcohol industry and further the nation’s drinking problems, Mr. Thaksin said only that the SET and SEC would have to make a careful decision.

However, he stressed that the issue had nothing to do with government policies, and said that the government would not intervene, noting that this would be tantamount to interfering in the stock market.

23 March, 2005