Thailand plans to up oil investment in Myanmar

BANGKOK, December 15 (TNA) - Thailand plans to seek more concessions in Myanmar’s crude oil sources in a bid to enhance national energy security. Thai Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan told reporters that he will visit Myanmar from December 18-20, during which he will meet his Myanmar counterpart to discuss on the concessions of Myanmar’s crude oil sources for PTT Public Company Limited (PTT), Thailand's largest petroleum conglomerate. According to the Thai energy minister, PTT has sought concessions in three Myanmar’s crude oil sources, one onshore, and two offshore, MD7 and MD8. PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited, a PTT subsidary, is keen to invest in 2-3 blocks of the total 18 blocks opened by the Myanmar government. The minister acknowledged if the concessions were approved by the Myanmar government, Thailand's national energy supplies would be more secured. (TNA)