Bangkok: The Department of Mineral Fuels has announced that five companies have submitted eight requests for rights to explore and produce petroleum in an onshore exploration plot, marking the 25th time such rights have been offered under the concession system. The proposal window was open from July 1 to 16, 2025, and the department anticipates completing its evaluation of the applications by December 2025.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Worakorn Prommobol, Director-General of the Department of Natural Fuels, disclosed that the five applicants include PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited with three requests, Pan Orient Energy (Siam) Limited and CanAsia Energy Corp. with one request, Geomechanical Services Co., Ltd. with one request, Eco Orient Resources (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with one request, and UAC Utilities Company Limited with two requests. Mr. Worakorn emphasized that the proposals will undergo a thorough, transparent, and fair evaluation process, with the selection results expected to be completed by December 2025.
Mr. Worakorn further explained that once the proposals are evaluated, the results will be presented to the Cabinet for approval. Following Cabinet approval, the Department of Mineral Fuels will announce the winner and proceed with signing the concession. The interest from both domestic and international leading companies is seen as a positive development. It is anticipated to benefit Thailand's petroleum exploration and production industry and related investment sectors significantly. This opportunity is particularly noteworthy since there has been no opening for concession applications in new onshore areas since 2007, presenting a chance to enhance domestic energy sources, which can increase energy security, reduce reliance on imported energy, and boost income and employment in the region. It also offers the public a chance to maximize the use of the country's natural resources.