Energy Minister Orders Study of Myanmar A6 Gas Field

Energy Minister Ekkanat Promphan disclosed that efforts are underway to secure additional gas volumes from Myanmar. PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) previously surveyed the new A6 field and found it has the potential to enhance energy security and is ready for production preparation. The Department of Mineral Fuels has been tasked with monitoring details of this gas field, but no firm start date for imports can be given yet, as production development steps and overall readiness must be considered together. Developing a new gas source requires clarity on production potential, relevant conditions, and the ability to bring gas online before formal supply and import plans can be finalized.

Pipeline imports from Myanmar provide an alternative fuel procurement channel that avoids shipping liquefied gas by tanker as with LNG. Myanmar gas therefore plays a role in meeting demand from power plants and industry. However, import volumes still depend on the gas field's production capacity, delivery terms, and conditions in the producing country.

The Ministry of Energy reports that the A6 field lies in Myanmar near the Yetagun field. It is a new source under consideration, and while survey data indicates potential, production readiness and related steps must be assessed before a timeline for actual gas delivery can be set. If A6 gas can be utilized, there is an opportunity to use the existing western pipeline network for transport, feeding gas to the Ratchaburi power plant and linking with the gas system in the Bangkok metropolitan area. This would increase Thailand's natural gas supply options and potentially reduce the need for entirely new transport infrastructure investment. However, this approach still depends on study results, pipeline suitability, and future production development plans.

Thailand's natural gas supply structure currently comprises two main import forms: pipeline gas from Myanmar and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipped from global markets. Myanmar gas remains a key fuel source supporting national demand in both power generation and industry. LNG adds procurement options from international markets. Myanmar gas fields supplying Thailand include Yadana, Zawtika, and Yetagun in the Gulf of Moattama. Yadana and Zawtika are major sources delivering gas to Thailand, while Yetagun is an older field that previously supplied Thailand but has seen production decline significantly compared to the past, with reports of some well closures.

For LNG, Thailand procures from the global market via tanker shipments from multiple exporters including Qatar, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, and Oman. Sourcing from multiple countries gives Thailand diverse fuel procurement options.