Energy

The growth of Thailand’s heavy industries, as well as consumption among a burgeoning middle class, is fuelling demand for energy. On the production side, this demand is being partly met by increased lignite and natural gas extraction, while oil output continues to decline. The government is hoping that investment-friendly amendments to its Petroleum Act will help slow or reverse this decline. But natural gas growth is set to peak in 2013, and with domestic production already only responsible for one-third of Thailand’s energy needs, imports are set for a long-term increase. In response, the country is investing in liquefied natural gas import terminals and several pipelines, as well as hiking energy prices and promoting renewables. This section features interviews with Pailin Chuchottaworn, CEO, PTT Group; and Chanin Vongkusolkit, CEO, Banpu.