Prayut Chan-o-cha will not be attending the Petroleum forum this Friday, but urges all opponents to go on with the discussion while he listens to the live broadcast.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has announced that he will not attend the Petroleum forum on Friday. Being held at the Government House, Prayut did state that he will be listening in on the forum from another location.

The concession’s opponents demanded postponement of the forum so that the prime minister could be in attendance, but Prayut declined. The prime minister stated that other concerns could not be put off and that he would instead listen to the live broadcast instead.

Prayut states that the public forum allowed opponents to discuss their concerns openly. Broadcasted live, this will allow for a legal discussion wherein the authorities are able to explain the country’s current stand on the matter. He noted that discussions elsewhere would be otherwise illegal.

Changes and other solutions to existing laws will be considered. Current laws are promising, states the prime minister. Petroleum exploration concessions and production concessions are available. Opponents should note that any legal amendments to the country’s Energy Act would have to receive approval and could take as long as 3 months to be finalized.

Under current law, the government of Thailand would not have to invest in the proposed projects. Instead, taxes and concession fees would be collected by the government. Major concerns are that, under current concessions, even failed exploration would result in concession fees and taxes being collected.

Prayut states that exploration is not cost-effective for the country. The potential of not finding any petroleum would result in a loss of resources for the country’s already stagnant economy. Prayut also stated that the government could not conduct exploration on its own at this time.

The forum will be attended by seven groups that asked for permission to attend. Supporters of these groups will also be allowed within the forum. There have been 200 soldiers and 750 police officers assigned to the forum to ensure it remains peaceful.

-- 2015-02-20

Miss Petroleum?

Miss Petroleum Forum

Would love to see some photos

Did he use " no lights on the helicopter" as a reason for his absence?

Miss Petroleum Forum

Would love to see some photos

Does Miss Petroleum give oil massages?

Can't be photographed near Miss Petroleum. What would people say? Good grief!!!

"He noted that discussions elsewhere would be otherwise illegal."

Thank you for the reminder General Prayuth that the nation is still under martial law and freedom of expression is a priviledge granted only by the Junta. And thank you also for the live broadcast so the Government can explain its position and squelch opposing viewpoints.

From the headline, I was far from sure Prayut wasn't addressing a beauty pageant.

• Prayut Chan-o-cha to Miss Petroleum Forum

Boy! Was I disappointed when I read the story and discovered he wasn't actually competing in a beauty contest. . . There could have been only one winner.

Does Miss Petroleum give oil massages?

No, but she is qualified to change your oil.