Energy Minister affirms Thailand-Cambodia dispute has no impact on energy businesses

BANGKOK, 18 November 2009 (NNT) – The Energy Minister affirmed that the Thailand – Cambodia dispute would not affect both countries’ energy businesses. The power links would also be accelerated to contribute to the ASEAN countries’ common benefit.

Minister of Energy, MD Wannarat Channukul said after chairing the 9th ASEAN Council on Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (ASCOPE 2009) in Thailand, hosted by PTT Group during 18-20 November at Muang Thong Thani Hall 9, Bangkok. The meeting was aimed to exchange views and assign the policies to cope among the 10 ASEAN countries in aspect of energy development and power network contribution. The power network linking among ASEAN countries would benefit the regional economy in future.

He pointed out the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline Scheme (TAGP) which was planned to extend the pipelines through Brunei, the Philippines and all ASEAN members countries for mutual benefit thereafter. Countries in short of energy, petroleum in particular, can buy 10% of needed petroleum from the system as agreed among ASEAN member countries.

MD Wannarat added that the energy business between Thailand and Cambodia remained in normal situation and the dispute between both countries would not impact the business.