Thailand and fossil gas
Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia. After contracting 7.15% in 2020 due to COVID-19, GDP growth is forecasted between 3.5-4.5% through 2025.[1] The increase in Thailand's GDP has corresponded to an increase in energy consumption.[2]

Electricity Demand
Electricity consumption has grown an average of 3.5% per year since 2015. [4]
As of 2018, Thailand has an existing capacity of 46,090 MW. According to the new revised PDP, total electricity generation capacity in 2037 is forecasted to be 77,211 MW. [5] Total electricity demand in 2018 was 203,203 GWh and is forecasted to reach 367,458 GWh by 2037.[6]
Major Players
PTT is the state-owned oil and gas company. PTT is the largest corporation in the country and is involved in electricity generation, petrochemical products, as well as oil and gas exploration and production.[7] In early 2020, PTT announced that it will invest $6.7 billion over 5 years to advance LNG and gas-to-power projects. [8]

Thailand's Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is responsible for generating, transmitting, and wholesaling electricity. EGAT's generating capacity accounts for 33% of Thailand's electricity generating capacity as of 2019.[5]
Natural Gas Demand
Thailand has seen a steady growth in natural gas demand. Initially this was met by domestic production and in 1988, pipeline imports from Myanmar began. As domestic production declined, Thailand began importing LNG in 2011.[3] Total gas consumption in Thailand was 50.8 bcm in 2019.[10]
Key Demand Drivers
The power sector is the key driver of gas demand in Thailand, accounting for 68% of total generation in 2017.[3]
The industrial sector, which includes chemicals/petrochemicals (which use gas as feedstock), non-metallic minerals, and the paper industry, is a primary driver of natural gas demand.


As of 2018, Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) in the transportation sector account for 5% of natural gas demand.[12]
Projection of Demand Growth

The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, released a Base Case demand projection showing gas demand increasing marginally before peaking in 2030 at 48 bcm and then declining slightly. [3]
Power Development Plan 2018
In April 2019, Thailand's government approved the amended National Power Development Plan (PDP). Under the revised PDP, the government forecasts having 53% of the country's power from natural gas by 2037, an increase of 13% from the previously released plan. The PDP 2018 forecasts total gas demand around 60 bcm by 2030.[6]
Thailand plans to increase LNG imports, with LNG accounting for 40% of gas supply by 2025 and close to 80-90% by 2037. [12]
Natural Gas Supply

As of 2019, Thailand has 6.3 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. Total gas production in Thailand as of 2019, was 35.8 bcm and total pipeline imports of 7.1 bcm came from Myanmar. In 2019, there was 6.7 bcm of total LNG imports with 2.6 bcm from Qatar.[10]
Thailand has an extensive natural gas transmission infrastructure. The national gas pipeline system connects onshore and offshore gas fields to power plants, gas separation plants (GSPs) as well as industrial users.[14]
There is a history of domestic natural gas production in Thailand. Initially, domestic production was mainly offshore in the Gulf of Thailand. Since natural gas produced in the Gulf of Thailand is generally "wet" gas (made up of other hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, butane, etc), it is fed into GSPs to extract the hydrocarbons.[13] Gas produced in the Gulf of Thailand is routed to Rayong where it is treated and delivered to power plants, industrial plants, and GSPs. [3] Gulf of Thailand reserves peaked in 2006 and have plummeted since then, with a reserve to production ratio of just 5.2 years.[12]
Pipeline imports from Myanmar started in 1998, plateauing at 10 bcm.[3] The imported pipeline gas supply mainly comes from Myanmar's Yadana and Yetagun gas fields. This pipeline gas supply comes from the West to the Kanchanaburi province and is routed to power plants in the Ratchaburi province.[3] Myanmar has also set a policy of no future gas exports to Thailand, causing LNG imports to rise to meet increasing demand once the current contracts end.[13]
Additionally, a small volume of gas is imported from the ExxonMobil-operated Phu Hom and Nam Phong fields in the Northeast. Since the fields are not connected to the gas grid infrastructure, the gas is sourced solely to power nearby power plants, NGV stations, and local communities.[3][13]

As domestic production began to decline, LNG imports began in 2011.[3] Thailand has relied mainly on short term deals and and spot cargoes for its LNG until the Qatari contract began in 2015 (2 mtpa for 20 years).[15] As of 2020, current total contracted LNG is 6.2 mtpa with an additional 2.6 mtpa to come from Mozambique. [3]
As of 2017, the Gulf of Thailand (which includes MTJDA) produced 71% of the country's available gas, 17% was imported via pipelines from Myanmar and the remaining 11% through LNG imports.[12]
Potential New Gas Sources
Thailand plans to launch its 2020 offshore exploration licensing round as soon as there is an improvement in the Covid-19 pandemic. The 23rd licensing round will comprise of three blocks that all have good oil and gas potential, according to officials from the Department of Mineral Fuels.[16]
Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA) is an area in the Gulf of Thailand which was created as a joint measure to explore, develop and produce natural gas from the zone.[17] The MTJDA reserves are expected to be exhausted by 2027 according to a study by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia.[12]
Current Gas Supply Projects
Map Ta Phut LNG Terminal, which started operation in 2011 and has a capacity of 5 mtpa, is Thailand's first LNG regasification terminal. A second phase in 2017 added 5 mtpa and there is potential for further expansion.[3]
Proposed Gas Supply Projects
Under the new national gas plan 2018-2037, gas exploration and production activities in the Gulf of Thailand will be emphasized. EGAT is planning to restart a retired oil-fueled generator in Surat Thani with natural gas instead. [18]
Table 1: Proposed LNG Import Terminals[19]
Project Name | Location | Capacity | Expected Commencement Date | Sponsor | Project Status | Main Users |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gulf of Thailand FSRU LNG Terminal[20] | Gulf of Thailand | 5 mtpa | 2024 | EGAT | Proposed | South Bangkok Power Plant |
Nong Fab LNG Terminal Project | Nong Fab, Eastern Rayong | 7.5 mtpa | 2022 | PTT | Under construction | |
Gulf MTP LNG Terminal[21] | Map Ta Phut | Phase I: 5 mtpa
Phase II: 10.8 mtpa |
Phase I: 2025
Phase II: TBD |
Gulf MPT LNG Terminal Company Limited | Proposed | PPP signed[22] |
Chana LNG Terminal[23] | Chana | 2 mtpa | 2028 | Studying | ||
Thailand FSRU 1 LNG Terminal[23] | 5 mtpa | 2030 | Studying | |||
Thailand FSRU 2 LNG Terminal[23] | 5 mtpa | 2035 | Studying |
Table 2: Proposed Gas Power Plants in Thailand[23]
Project Name | Location | Capacity | Expected Start | Sponsor | Project Details/Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bangpakong Replacement Units 1 & 2[24] | Tha Kham, Chachoengsao | 1386 MW | 2020 | EGAT | Under construction |
Ratchaburi (B.Grimm) Power Station[25] | Ratchaburi | 240 MW | 2022 | B.Grimm Power | Proposed |
Chonburi Ng Project Power Station[26] | Khao Khansong | Phase I: 1250 MW
Phase II: 1250 MW |
Phase I: 2021
Phase II: 2022 |
Gulf Energy, Mitsui | Under construction |
Rayong Gulf PD Unit 1 & 2 | Pluak Daeng, Rayong Province | Phase I: 1325 MW
Phase II: 1325 MW |
Phase I: 2023
Phase II: 2024 |
Gulf Energy, Mitsui | Under construction |
Ratchaburi Power Station[27] | Muang district, Ratchaburi province | Phase I: 700 MW
Phase II: 700 MW |
Phase I: 2024
Phase II: 2025 |
Hin Kong Power Company Limited | Under construction; Mitsubishi Power signs contract to build,[27]25-yr PPA with EGAT[28] |
Burapa Power Station[29] | Chachoengsao | 540 MW | 2027[30] | Gulf Energy, Burapa Power Holding Co. | Proposed |
Nampong Replacement Plant[31] | Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province | 650 MW | 2025 | EGAT | First public hearing held 2019[32] |
Wang Noi Power Plant Replacement[33] | Wang Noi District | Phase I: 1300 MW
Phase II: 1300 MW |
Phase I: 2023
Phase II: 2023 |
EGAT | Second public hearing held 2019[34] |
Surat Thani Power Station[35] | Surat Thani Province | Phase I: 700 MW
Phase II: 700 MW |
Phase I: 2025
Phase II: 2029 |
EGAT | Will come online two years earlier than scheduled |
South Bangkok Power Plant Extension[36] | Samut Prakarn Province | Phase I: 700 MW
Phase II: 1400 MW |
Phase I: 2026
Phase II: 2027 |
EGAT | In PDP 2018[6] |
North Bangkok Power Plant Extension[31] | Nonthaburi Province | Phase I: 700 MW
Phase II: 700 MW |
Phase I: 2028
Phase II: 2035 |
EGAT | In PDP 2018[6] |
New Power Plant | North Eastern region | 700 MW | 2030 | EGAT | In PDP 2018[6] |
New Power Plant | Central Region | 1400 MW | 2032 | EGAT | In PDP 2018[6] |
New Power Plant | North Eastern Region | 700 MW | 2032 | EGAT | In PDP 2018[6] |
New Power Plant | Southern Region | 700 MW | 2035 | EGAT | In PDP 2018[6] |
New Power Plant | Bangkok | 700 MW | 2036 | EGAT | In PDP 2018[6] |
New Power Plant | Eastern Region | 700 MW | 2037 | EGAT | In PDP 2018[6] |
Table 3: Proposed Gas Pipeline Projects in Thailand
Project Name | Capacity | Owner | Expected Start | Length (km) | Diameter (inches) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Isan Gas Pipeline | PTT | TBD | TBD | ||
Chachoengsao-Nonthaburi Gas Pipeline | PTT | 2021 | 200 km |
Projection of Gas Production
In the 2020 OIES report, domestic gas production is expected to decline in the long run, forecasted at 10 bcm by 2035. Pipeline imports are also expected to decrease as contracts end. LNG imports are forecasted to increase significantly, reaching 28 bcm by 2030 and 35 bcm by 2040.[3]


Articles and Resources
References
Related GEM.wiki articles
External resources
External articles
- ↑ "Thailand - Gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate 2025". Statista. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
- ↑ "Thailand's LNG Sector" (PDF). Retrieved December 21, 2020.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 "Emerging Asia LNG Demand". Retrieved December 14, 2020.
- ↑ Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "Power industry outlook neutral". Retrieved 2020-12-21.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "○ BOI : The Board of Investment of Thailand". www.boi.go.th (in 日本語). Retrieved 2020-12-21.
- ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 "PDP2018 Rev. 1" (PDF). Retrieved February 3, 2021.
- ↑ "PTT Public Company Limited". Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ↑ Staff, Reuters (2020-01-16). "Thailand's PTT plans multi-billion-dollar capex over next five years". Reuters. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
- ↑ "Electricity Statistic". www.eppo.go.th. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2020" (PDF). Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ↑ "Thailand sets its sights on larger LNG share". www.petroleum-economist.com. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 "Thailand sets its sights on larger LNG share". www.petroleum-economist.com. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 "Assessment of Resilience Against Liquefied Natural Gas Import Disruptions in Thailand" (PDF). Retrieved December 16, 2020.
- ↑ "International - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)". www.eia.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
- ↑ Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "PTT signs 20yr LNG deal with Qatar". Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ↑ Searancke (58b0059320db8), Russell. "Thailand licensing round ready to roll... when Covid recedes | Upstream Online". Upstream Online | Latest oil and gas news. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
- ↑ "Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area". Retrieved December 17, 2020.
- ↑ "New Gas Outlines Close to Complete". Retrieved December 20, 2020.
- ↑ "Assessment of Resilience against Liquefied Natural Gas Import Disruptions in Thailand" (PDF). Retrieved December 16, 2020.
- ↑ "Egat poised to approve first Thai FSRU". Bangkok Post. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ↑ Staff, Reuters (2019-10-01). "Thailand's Gulf Energy and PTT to build $1.33 billion LNG project with the government". Reuters. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ↑ "Third phase of Map Ta Phut port sealed into PPP contract". Bangkok Post. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 Ghouri, Salman Saif (2005). "Global LNG Market Outlook - Challenges and Opportunities". International Petroleum Technology Conference. International Petroleum Technology Conference. doi:10.2523/10452-ms.
- ↑ "โครงการพัฒนาโรงไฟฟ้าทดแทนโรงไฟฟ้าบางปะกง เครื่องที่ 1-2". www.egat.co.th. Retrieved 2021-02-11.
- ↑ "B.Grimm Power (Ratchaburi) 1 Limited".
- ↑ "Sriracha Power Plant, Chonburi - one of Thailand's biggest IPP projects". Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Mitsubishi Power Signs Contract to Build 1,400 MW Hin Kong Natural Gas-fired GTCC Power Plant in Thailand's Ratchaburi province". Thailand Construction and Engineering News. 2020-10-01. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ↑ "Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding pcl (via Public) / RATCH - GULF join forces in developing Hin Kong Power Plant Supporting national policy on energy security". www.publicnow.com. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ↑ "Gulf buys 35% of power operator BPH". Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ↑ Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "Gulf buys 35% of power operator BPH". Retrieved 2021-02-11.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 "โครงการโรงไฟฟ้าหลัก". www.egat.co.th. Retrieved 2021-02-11.
- ↑ "Nam Phong residents attend 1st public hearing of Replacement Project of Nam Phong Power Plant in Khon Kaen Province". www.egat.co.th. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ↑ "Wang Noi Power Plant". www.egat.co.th. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ↑ "The 2nd public hearing of Wang Noi Power Plant Replacement Project (Blocks 1-2) goes smoothly with several attendees". www.egat.co.th. Retrieved 2021-01-29.
- ↑ "Power plan backed along wIth 2 plants". Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ↑ "EGAT 2019 Annual Report" (PDF). Retrieved February 11, 2021.