Low oil prices have begun to take their g toll on petroleum exploration and pro- lo duction (E&P) companies in Asia, with US-based Chevron Corp preparing to cut its Thai operations as part of the company's global headcount reduction of 4,000 this year. Chevron Thailand Exploration is pre paring to issue a statement today about the number of staff to be let go, a company spokesperson told Asia Focus, but declined to reveal the exact number at this stage. Currently, the Thai unit employs 3,700 i people, including 1,700 contract work ers. Those affected will be both Thais and expatriates. Chevron, the world's third largest inte- grated oil company, has said it projected to cut an additional 4,000 jobs this year. Its total headcount had decreased by about