Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um told him the Transport Ministry was ready to hold the bidding in August.

Even though the Japan Bank for International Corporation (JBIC) has asked for more time to consider supporting the mega-projects, Kosit said Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase insisted the central bank could find a local loan.

"I knew from the start it would be very difficult for the JBIC to make a decision in a few months," Kosit said. "However, if agencies say they're ready for the scheduled bidding, we'll hold it according to plan, even though the JBIC has yet to approve its loan for us in time," he said.

Business-plan contest

The Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion has joined hands with Chulalongkorn University to organise a "Business Plan Contest", with the goal of producing good young entrepreneurs for the Kingdom's future.

Office director-general Jhitraporn Techacharn yesterday said the contest would be for students at three academic levels: high school, undergraduate and master's degree.

First prize in the master's-degree contest is a trophy presented by Her Majesty the Queen.