Thai PM assures transparency in new 29-block petroleum concessions

BANGKOK, October 28 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has assured that his government will award petroleum exploration and production concessions on new 29 blocks with transparency. General Prayut told journalists on Tuesday, after the Cabinet's weekly meeting in Bangkok, that the National Reform Council (NRC) will consider the project implementation within two months and his government will conclude how to handle the project afterwards in order to minimize negative impacts on the public and prevent vested interest. General Prayut acknowledged the concessions are old ones that will be reopened to prevent any energy shortage in the country and the project has been delayed for two years. The prime minister insisted that there will not be any concession in an overlapping area with any neighboring country or any demarcation. According to the Thai premier, talks with neighboring countries will be for the maximal protection of public and national interests. (TNA)