BANGKOK, 13 February 2015 – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha assigned the Energy Ministry to open a talk with former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva after the latter and some civil groups have signed a petition showing disagreement to the 21st petroleum bidding round.
The PM said that the talk would be a stage for the ministry and Mr.Abhisit to discuss the difference in viewpoints on the basis of facts and figures in order to raise mutual understanding and final solutions. Gen Prayut also asked media members to observe the talk.
He reiterated that the bidding is needed as next year some neighboring countries would export less natural gas to Thailand and keep more for their own domestic demand. Thus the imported gas would be more expensive than those from domestic supply. If Thailand must encounter a shortage of energy in the future due to the cancellation of the 21st bidding now, this would cause burdens to the ruling government at that time.
He insisted that the 21st petroleum bidding round would occur on Feb 18 as planned but some contracts and conditions might be changed.
