The Sirikit block in Kamphaeng Phet, the country's largest onshore oil field operated by PTT Exploration and Production Plc.
Thailand could face a decline in domestic energy supply unless significant regulatory reforms are introduced to attract foreign investment in the upstream petroleum sector, says Kurujit Nakornthap, executive director of the Petroleum and Energy Institute of Thailand.His warning came as energy officials are accelerating efforts to enforce new regulations facilitating petroleum exploration and production (E&P).
Mr Kurujit said the current E&P system remains overly complicated.
After obtaining licences, investors must navigate a maze of approvals to access drilling areas, particularly onshore blocks. These areas may overlap with land previously designated for agriculture, degraded forests, or near historical sites, requiring additional permits.
Investors are also obligated to conduct environmental impact assessments and hold public hearings, while coordinating with multiple government agencies.
