SEC insists broker fees will be liberalized

Thailand’s securities regulator insists it will press on with liberalising commission fees starting in 2010. The Association of Securities Companies, which represents local brokers, had petitioned the Securities and Exchange Commission to maintain the current 0.25% rate to maintain stability in the wake of the global crisis. SEC secretary-general Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala said a number of local brokers have made progress in improving their operations to cope with liberalisation. (Bangkok Post)