He added that TOT was still financially sound.

The previous government had planned to have TOT listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Public hearing on FTAs

The Trade Negotiations Department plans to conduct a public hearing on December 15 on the impact of the government's policy of pressing ahead with talks on free-trade agreements.

 Chutima Bunyapraphasara, director-general of the department, said yesterday the hearing would listen to the concerns of producers of industrial and farm goods who might be affected by FTAs.

 In addition, comments will help the Commerce Ministry in establishing an FTA fund to assist producers hit by the opening of markets under free-trade deals.

Business confidence up

The Bank of Thailand's business confidence index moved up to 44.6 points in October, from 43.5 the previous month, indicating a slight improvement in sentiment.

However, the figure is still below the 50-point level, which indicates continued very poor level of confidence on the part of business operators.

Pay taxi fares by mobile

True Money has linked up with the taxi community to make it possible for fares to be paid through its mobile phones. The service will initially be available in 2,000 taxis.

"We're reinforcing our goal of initiating services that meet the lifestyle needs of the new generation through this partnership with the taxi community. We believe that our taxi-fare payment service will get a good response from passengers as it offers more convenient, easier and safer travel and reduces the need to carry cash," True Money president Adhiruth Thothaveesansuk said yesterday.