That compared with a 21 percent gain of the broader SET index.

Brokers in Bangkok expected the SET index to move sideways as players awaited political clarity.

Thai benchmark SET index ended down 1 percent, reversing its early climb to a one-week high.

Thai key SET index was flat near midday.

Thailand's SET index rose 1.6 percent to its highest since July 1996.

On Monday, the Thai SET index fell for a fifth straight session to an 11-week closing low.

The SET index was down 0.9 percent at 1,189.26 at 0741 GMT.

The benchmark SET Index hit its highest since Dec. 13, with healthcare and energy stocks leading the gains.

The SET index could test 1,220 by early April, he said.

The Thai SET index and Jakarta's Composite Index both edged down 0.3 percent.

By 0301 GMT, the benchmark SET index was up 3.2 percent at 1,074.96.

Global stocks reacted positively to the news and that should also be positive for the Thai SET index today.

The Philippines stock market extended gains to a record high while Bangkok's SET index hit a fresh 18-year high.

We do need to meet international standards. The benchmark SET index slipped to a two-month low as airlines declined.

Bangkok's SET index was down 1 percent at 1,533.33, the lowest since April 3.

Bangkok's SET index closed at its highest level in nearly two weeks at 1,295.24.