Myanmar, Thailand to proceed with energy cooperation

BANGKOK, June 6 (TNA) - Myanmar and Thailand are discussing energy cooperation, including the new Mai Tong Hydropower Plant Project, joint import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and power supply for the development of Myanmar's Dawei Industrial Zone by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Thai Energy Minister Anantaporn Kanjanarat (อนันตพร กาญจนรัตน์) told journalists on June 6 that after the formation of the newly-elected Myanmar government in March 2016 and the reorganization of the Myanmar Energy Ministry, his ministry has inquired about the future of bilateral energy cooperation. Myanmar authorities have confirmed that they are ready to proceed with bilateral cooperation agreed by the previous Myanmar government and will visit Thailand soon to discuss the cooperation for the sake of energy security of both neighboring countries. General Anantaporn said the topics should include the construction of the Mai Tong Hydropower Plant Project with its power generating capacity of about 6,000 megawatts and floating storage regasification units with its handling capacity of 3 million tons yearly in Myanmar to make up for the reduction in local gas supplies. According to the Thai energy minister, both sides will also consider the 100-megawatt power supply by EGAT to support the construction of the Dawei Industrial Zone in Myanmar. Meanwhile, the Thai minister also warned against possible risks in relation to a proposal for the Thai government to hire contractors to produce petroleum at old concession sites. (TNA)