Thai Petroleum Concession: PM promises to listen to all sides

BANGKOK, February 19 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has said that he would listen to all sides before making a decision on holding the 21st round of bidding for petroleum exploration and production concessions. The prime minister made the promise on Thursday, a day before the government holds a public forum on the matter at Government House. The session will be broadcast live on a state-owned TV channel from 9am-12pm. Speaking to reporters, General Prayut confirmed that he would not attend the public forum but said he would watch it from TV. He also said the forum would not be postponed as demanded by some group because of his absence. General Prayut said the government would take careful consideration after listening to all sides and work out a worthwhile choice. He said that the government could conduct a nationwide poll to find out what the majority of people would want the government to do regarding the petroleum exploration and production. Critics to the 21st bidding round want to see a change of the concession model, citing concern over transparency and revenue. General Prayut denied that the government has already decided to go ahead with the 21st round of bidding for petroleum exploration and production concessions. He said there are other options to the concession model but they could be costly and require amendment to the Energy Act, which would take some three months. (TNA)