Energy security not impacted in case the Thailand-Cambodia MoU is denounced

BANGKOK, 9 November 2009 (NNT) –The Energy Minister expressed his confidence that the possible denouncement of the MoU on Thailand – Cambodia maritime border overlapping would not influence the national energy security.

Minister of Energy, MD Wannarat Channukul, said the possible denouncement of the MoU made for the maritime border overlapping between Thailand and Cambodia in the cabinet tomorrow would not affect the energy security of Thailand.

He pointed out that PTTEP was undertaking a petroleum survey and production in several countries and also around the overlapping areas, thus the MoU cancellation would not directly affect the PTTEP performance.

Mr Prasert Boonsamphan, PTT CEO and General Manager elaborated that PTTEP had not made a large investment in Cambodia with few petrol stations in service and only three small petrol depots. Oil transportation and distribution to Cambodia had continued as usual. He admitted that if the border was closed, trade between the two countries would be affected. However, PTT was ready to follow the government policy.