Those responsible for spreading rumours and causing the Thai stock exchange to fall will be hunted down, said Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) began its downward spiral on Monday and extended its losses yesterday.

In volatile trading yesterday, the SET plunged 6.9 per cent before recovering to close 2.5 per cent lower.

"I urge investors not to listen to such rumours. Please have confidence in Thailand's potential and do not believe in rumours which have caused the SET to drop.

"The Exchange Commission of Thailand will find all those who spread the rumours," he told reporters at Government House here today.

Somkid, who is also in charge of economic affairs, said the situation in Thailand has improved, and advised people to listen to the government and Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha instead of rumours.

A rumour claiming that the Prime Minister would make an urgent announcement yesterday afternoon was spread before the stock exchange closed for the day. -- BERNAMA