The two firms' participation will boost competition and lead to lower electricity charges for consumers, Piyasvasti said, adding that the IPP bidding terms and conditions should be announced late this month.

The minister also said the fuel-tariff (FT) rate for the June-September period would be reduced, due to more electricity from hydropower plants and the stronger baht.

However, the extent to which the FT rate can be cut depends on how the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand handles the Bt6-billion debt incurred from the subsidy in 2005.

SCG tops poll

Siam Cement Group (SCG) has been voted best-managed company, best corporate governance company and the company most committed to a strong dividend policy, in the annual poll of Asia's top firms by Finance Asia magazine.

Roongrote Rangsiyopash, SCG's vice president and chief financial officer, was also voted the best CFO.

The magazine's poll also ranked the group in third place for best investor relations.

Star forum

Marking its first decade of operations this year, Star Alliance will stage an aviation forum in Bangkok on June 20 in cooperation with Thai Airways International.

The one-day forum will entail discussions among experts, technologists, travel industry specialists, airport managers, environmentalists, manufacturers, analysts and business people from all over the world. Discussion will focus on Asia as the fastest-growing aviation region.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will preside over the forum.