ID :
208626
Wed, 09/21/2011 - 14:51
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/208626
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Thai, Cambodian ministers confer oil exploration in Gulf
BANGKOK, September 21 (TNA) - Thai and Cambodian energy ministers discussed in Brunei Wednesday on the possibility of holding joint energy projects in an overlapping area in the Gulf of Thailand.
Thai Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan told journalists he is optimistic both countries will venture for negotiations, which have been stalled since 2001.
Pichai noted that the foreign ministries of both countries will also have to resume talks on the issue to expedite progress.
Talks between Pichai and Ith Prang, the Cambodian Minister for Industry, Mines and Energy, were held on the sidelines of 29th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Brunei this week.
Attempts by the Thai government to explore oil and gas reserves with Cambodia in the overlapping area will be conducted in a transparent manner, and this issue does not concern the stalled land demarcation with Cambodia, Pichai said.
He said the exploration projects with Cambodia must be carried out urgently as Thailand's natural gas reserves will last only for another 16 years, and Thailand will have to import expensive liquefied natural gas from elsewhere which will push up local electricity costs.
It is expected that Thailand and Cambodia may take about 10 years before they can start any joint energy exploration in the Gulf of Thailand. (TNA)
Thai Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan told journalists he is optimistic both countries will venture for negotiations, which have been stalled since 2001.
Pichai noted that the foreign ministries of both countries will also have to resume talks on the issue to expedite progress.
Talks between Pichai and Ith Prang, the Cambodian Minister for Industry, Mines and Energy, were held on the sidelines of 29th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Brunei this week.
Attempts by the Thai government to explore oil and gas reserves with Cambodia in the overlapping area will be conducted in a transparent manner, and this issue does not concern the stalled land demarcation with Cambodia, Pichai said.
He said the exploration projects with Cambodia must be carried out urgently as Thailand's natural gas reserves will last only for another 16 years, and Thailand will have to import expensive liquefied natural gas from elsewhere which will push up local electricity costs.
It is expected that Thailand and Cambodia may take about 10 years before they can start any joint energy exploration in the Gulf of Thailand. (TNA)
