ConocoPhilips operates Jet petrol stations in 22 provinces.

A PTT source said details of the deal, which has not yet been reported to PTT's board, would be announced on April 19.

NEPC approves energy plan for 2007-21

The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) has approved a power-development plan that highlights a variety of fuels, including nuclear energy in generating power, from now to 2021.

An NEPC statement said the power-development plan would be implemented in two stages. In the first stage, now to 2010, additional power will come from plants under construction. In the second stage, from 2011-21, new power plants will be constructed to generate power from coal (2,400 megawatts), natural gas (18,200MW), and nuclear energy (4,000MW).

The NEPC, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kosit Panpiemras, also approved PTT's supply plan for natural gas, which includes more gas procurements from the Gulf of Thailand and neighbouring countries.

The council also approved an "adder", an extra price for power generated from alternative fuels. The adder for solar power is set at Bt8 a unit and recyclable fuels - wind power and from waste, for example - at Bt2.50 a unit.

Year-on-year drop in new SME start-ups

About 15.2 per cent of working-age Thais were involved in opening new businesses last year, down from 20.7 per cent in 2005, a survey by the Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion shows.

The office attributed the drop to the economic slow-down and political instability, which reduced investor confidence.

Working-age Thais are those 18-64 years old.