Further moves to open up financial market

 Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala said today after a discussion with central bank governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul that he personally wanted the trading to start within three months. However, Prasarn asked for more time, he said.
 In another step, securities houses will also be allowed to provide wholesale foreign exchange service for clients, to facilitate their services to foreign stock investors.
 Thirachai also mentioned his talk to Prasarn over the permission for foreign banks to open more branches, designed to add competion into the banking industry as Thai banks' net interest margins are higher than foreign banks. Thirachai said that Prasarn was concerned with foreign banks' readiness. He diffused the concern, saying that foreign banks are ready to open more branches.