Study on Thailand's petroleum law enforcement likely to be concluded in April

BANGKOK, March 14 (TNA) - An ongoing study on the enforcement of Thailand's new petroleum law and petroleum revenue law is expected to be concluded next month. General Sakol Sach-chanit, chairman of an extraordinary committee responsible for the study on both laws in the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) told journalists on Friday (Mar 14) that he is optimistic the study should be concluded within next month, or within the three-month deadline given by NLA and Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha. General Sakol said the study has been focused on opinions from every sector on petroleum concessions offered by the government, petroleum production and production sharing between the government and concessionaires. General Sakol noted that three sets of sub-committee have been appointed to conduct studies on the petroleum law, revenue tax and on public opinions. According to the chair, conclusion will be forwarded to the government for further consideration and the implementation of the planned opening of the country's 21st round of oil and gas exploration concession bid, which has been temporarily stalled due to public opposition. Activists and environmentalists have argued that the present petroleum law, promulgated since 1971, is now obsolete due to several changes and the Thai government needs to, thus, listen from every sector as energy is considered national security. (TNA)