Thailand and Myanmar Deepen Energy Ties
Thailand and Myanmar are strengthening their energy ties, aiming to reduce Thailand's reliance on imported natural gas by exploring new resources in neighboring Myanmar.
The Thai government is seeking to diversify its energy sources through cooperation with Myanmar, which has been a significant supplier of natural gas to Thailand for nearly four decades. Gas from the Yadana and Zawtika fields accounts for around 15-20% of Thailand's natural gas demand, supporting power generation, industry, and broader economic activity.
Energy Minister Akanat Promphan recently held talks with Myanmar's Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Ko Ko Lwin to advance bilateral cooperation in areas such as natural gas exploration and production, gas trading, and electricity-grid connectivity. The two countries are also working on a new memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation to establish a framework for future collaboration.
The Thai government sees this cooperation as crucial to ensuring the country's energy security and reducing its reliance on any single source. Energy security directly affects electricity bills, production costs, and Thailand's economic competitiveness, according to Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.