ข่าวแจ้งตลาดหลักทรัพย์

(Translation) 1600/070/2541 October 7, 1998 Attention : President The Stock Exchange of Thailand Subject : Clarification regarding news on BCP's privatization and financial status. According to reports in newspapers on October 6 - 7, 1998 regarding BCP's privatization and liquidity, the news refers to BCP as source of information, the issue generates confusion among investors and general public. Therefore, in order to make itself clear, we would like to clarify you as follows: 1. BCP did not provide that information. 2. On the privatization issue, the Subcommittee chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, on August 25, 1998's meeting concluded that BCP's privatization follow the guideline policy given by the State Enterprise Policy Committee on June 18, 1998, and the implementation should be in two steps. In the first step, to sale of share 24% belonging to PTT and 7-8% of The Krung Thai Bank or Ministry of Finance to privatize the company as soon as possible. The second step, to recapitalize the company shall be considered after the privatization. Before proceeding to any implementation, the Ministry of Finance will submit the above plan to the State Enterprise Policy Committee chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Supachai Panitchapakdi for consideration. 3. In term of company liquidity, BCP always has excellent liquidity. Since the beginning of Thailand financial crisis in 1997, BCP has maintained strong financial status keeping cash on hand at high level at all time. As of the end of third quarter of 1998, BCP has cash deposited at bank more than 2,000 million baht. Please be informed accordingly. Yours sincerely Rabil Pornpatkul Senior Manager, Corporate Planning Office Corporate Planning Office Tel: 301-2842