Analysts Recomm. Covid-19 Play amid Short-Term Volatility from Thailand Partial Lockdown

According to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on April 16, the National Communicable Disease Committee announced restaurants, shopping centers and sports avenues will be allowed to open until 9:00 p.m., while convenience stores and supermarkets must be close between 11:00 p.m. – 04:00 a.m. in 18 high-risk red areas. Meanwhile crowded events up to 50 people will be banned in both 18 red zones and 59 provinces in orange Covid-19 zones. 

 

18 red provinces include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Songkhla, Tak, Udon Thani, Suphanburi, Sa Kaeo, Rayong and Khon Kaen.

 

The CCSA also encouraged working from home for private sector employees amid the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic. The measures have been imposed since April 8, 2021 and will be effective for 14 days.

 

Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) expected SET Index to fluctuate in the first two weeks of partial lockdown but then rebound. Recommending gradually accumulating stocks with solid fundamentals and Covid-19 play such as SPVI, INTUCH, AS, BLA and BDMS. 

 

Today (April 19) Thailand reported 1,390 new Covid-19 cases and 3 deaths, bringing total cases to 43,742 since the beginning of the outbreak last year. 

 

AIRA Securities (AIRA) also had the forecast direction on Thai market same as ASPS, expecting a volatility in the short term with no significant impact on country reopening in 3Q-4Q21. For investment strategy, AIRA recommended “HOLD” or “ACCUMULATION” stocks in energy-tourism-real estate-hospital sector including GULF, GPSC, BGRIM, AOT, AWC, CENTEL, MINT, AP, SPALI, SIRI, ANAN, BCH, BDMS, WPH and VIH.