Energy minister backs new petroleum act

Thammarat Thadaphrom

BANGKOK, 25 June 2016 (NNT) – The Minister for Energy, Gen Anantaporn Kanjanarat, has voiced his support for the new petroleum legislation, saying the state will surely benefit from the initiative.

Following the national legislature’s resolution to accept in principle two bills on petroleum and petroleum income tax, Gen Anantaporn said the bills will have to be subjected to a thorough study and amendments in order to ensure the continuity of Thailand’s energy industry. He said the resulting legislation is expected to bring stability and security to the energy sector, opening up more opportunities for Thailand to find crude oil.

He pointed out that both draft acts have been written in compliance with the country’s energy reform plan, as well as giving the government more options in terms of production and profit sharing with the private sector.

He said investors can be assured that there will be no favoritism as the two bills give equal opportunity to every company wishing to enter the bidding for the 21st round of petroleum concessions.

-- NNT 2016-06-25

"The Minister for Energy, Gen Anantaporn Kanjanarat, has voiced his support for the new petroleum legislation, saying the state will surely benefit from the initiative."

Of course he supported it. That's why he's in that position. To support and rubber stamp everything Big Brother wants.

"He said investors can be assured that there will be no favoritism as the two bills give equal opportunity to every company wishing to enter the bidding for the 21st round of petroleum concessions."

Would it surprise anyone if the same companies (or those running those companies) who won the bidding in the past are the same ones who win in the future and wind up with the petroleum concessions?

Edited June 25, 201610 yr by jaltsc