The issue will be finalised by the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) at its May meeting. It follows Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand's call for Thailand to start using nuclear power because of the rising prices of other fuels used in generating electricity.

"We need to generate power by all alternative fuels, coal or nuclear, as we are too dependent on natural gas," Piyasvasti said.

"It is getting more difficult to supply gas and it is uncertain if our plan to import 10 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2008 will be possible.

"Qatar, as a major LNG producer, has secured purchase contracts for all 90 million tonnes. We are at risk if our dependence on natural gas remains high.

"It remains uncertain where the plants will be located, but there are many practical locations, aside from Thap Sakae in Prachuap Khiri Khan."

He admitted there could be protests against coal and nuclear power plants - and Egat would need to clarify the issue to the public.

He also admitted that the plan to erect coal-fired and nuclear plants could be scrapped under the new government, but he urged those in power to come up with a good answer on how Thailand will handle its extraordinary dependence on natural gas. And if the demand is higher, where Thailand would find the new gas.

At present, 67 per cent of power is generated by natural gas.

Earlier, the NEPC set up a subcommittee to study the feasibility of nuclear power plants. The Energy Ministry and the Office of Atoms for Peace are reviewing related laws to pave way for their construction.

Ahead of the construction, laws on safety and qualified personnel must be ready along with guidelines to educate the public.

Piyasvasti said the amendments should be completed before the interim government's term ends.

It is the first time nuclear power has been included in Thailand's power development plan. The first nuclear plant is scheduled to take shape in 15 years.

At the meeting, the NEPC will consider how much of the new capacity under the 2007-2021 power development plan would be allocated to the state enterprise.

The Energy Ministry proposed that during 2012-2017, Egat be allocated to generate 3,500MW from natural gas, 2,800MW from coal and 4,000MW from nuclear power.

"It's necessary to be clear on the allocation as Egat is responsible for the nation's power security. Egat's power-generating capacity and that of private producers would be 50-50, but at some point, when nuclear and coal-fired power plants are in place, Egat's capacity could be higher," Piyasvasti said.

The ministry will soon issue terms of reference to open the bidding whereby independent power producers are invited to produce 3,000MW of power.